July 8, 2024
Mr. President,
I would like to thank Ms. Keita for her briefing, and reiterate to her France’s full support.
France is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in the east of the DRC. This violence is fuelling the crisis and violations of international law. France condemns the bombing of the Mugunga internally displaced persons’ camp on May 3, and calls for the full truth to be uncovered about this incident. We also condemn the attacks which caused the death of humanitarian personnel on July 1.
France welcomes the announcement on July 4 of a two-week truce between the belligerents. This should pave the way for a resumption of dialogue with a view to a settlement, within the framework of the Luanda process. All parties must act to this end. France supports the efforts of the President of Angola. This truce must also allow full humanitarian access.
France condemns the actions of armed groups in eastern DRC, including the M23, which has continued its offensive since the beginning of the year and extended its control towards the north of North Kivu province. We denounce the pressure exerted by the M23 on MONUSCO to take control of certain areas. The 2024 report by the panel of experts highlighted the links maintained by several armed groups with state actors. France condemns the violation of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Rwanda’s military support for the M23 and the growing presence of Rwandan military forces on Congolese territory. These actions must stop. For its part, the DRC must put an end to the ties maintained between its armed forces and the FDLR, and we welcome its commitment to demobilize the group’s combatants.
France welcomes the deployment of SAMIDRC. We have taken note of the Secretary-General’s recommendations for strengthening cooperation between MONUSCO and this regional force. A draft text to this effect will shortly be presented to the members of the Security Council by my delegation. France also calls on the regional forces to strengthen their coordination with MONUSCO.
We welcome the work of the panel of experts established pursuant to resolution 1533, as well as the renewal of the sanctions regime. We recall that the arms embargo in the DRC only targets armed groups, and no longer concerns the DRC authorities or regional partner forces.
MONUSCO continues to play a key role. The joint report from the United Nations and the Congolese authorities is clear on the challenges encountered during the withdrawal from South Kivu. The conditions that made this withdrawal possible are not yet in place in North Kivu and Ituri. France welcomes the Congolese government’s determination to consolidate the transfer of responsibility in South Kivu before moving on to the next stages. We have full confidence in the DRC government to continue its cooperation with the United Nations.
Thank you.