8 July 2024
Thank you, President. I also thank SRSG Keita for her updates and welcome the Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to the Chamber.
This Council recently adopted a press statement that expresses strong condemnation of foreign military support to the M23 and any other armed group operating in the DRC. We demanded the cessation of such support, reaffirming the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also condemned attacks conducted by the ADF, all attacks against MONUSCO, and the unacceptable threats exerted by the M23 against the Mission.
Malta strongly reaffirms these messages today.
We welcome the final report as issued by the Group of Experts. Their work remains valuable to identify the complex dynamics in the region, including the responsibilities of armed groups, and national states.
As MONUSCO has completed its withdrawal from South Kivu, security spillovers from North Kivu are affecting the South. Half a million IDPs recently moved to South Kivu to escape the brutality of war in the North.
We are concerned that Twiraneho operates in South Kivu are committing grave violations against children, with persistent recruitment, also in collaboration with the M23.
We encourage the Congolese authorities to spare no effort in ensuring a sufficient military presence in the region, and to prevent bases from falling into the hands of armed groups.
We take note of the Secretary-General’s letter proposing options for MONUSCO’s support to SAMIDRC. Malta recalls that any logistical and operational support should be consistent with OP.20 of Resolution 2717. We recall that any such support should be in strict compliance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, and we stress the importance of protection of civilians, close coordination, and information sharing.
On the political front, we echo the Secretary-General in condemning the events of 19 May, namely the attempt to destabilise the democratic institutions in the DRC. Those responsible for such acts must be held accountable.
On a positive note, Malta welcomes the appointment of the first female Prime Minister, along with 17 women to form part of Government. This marks a milestone in promoting the meaningful participation of women in leadership positions, and hope it serves as a model for others.
President
I take this opportunity to commend Angola for its efforts to deescalate regional tensions and conflicts. We hope that the leaders of the countries concerned return to the negotiating table.
Many root causes of conflict still need to be addressed. It remains an international responsibility to ensure that illegally extracted mineral resources from the eastern DRC are not integrated into the international market.
We are concerned that Rubaya, the region from where half of coltan national productions originate, is now under M23 control.
Information indicates that production continues at high levels, while miners and local traders are being forced to sell the ore to M23-linked traders.
Meanwhile, an unabated humanitarian catastrophe continues to unfold in the eastern DRC. We condemn the attack against the Mugunga camp on 3 May, as IDPs are daily confronted by the risks of open conflict. We welcome the announcement of a two-week humanitarian truce and hope it will bring relief to communities caught in the conflict.
We demand that all violations of international humanitarian law, and violations and abuses of human rights, end immediately. These include gender-based violence and sexual violence in conflict, recruitment, use and abduction of children, and attacks against schools and hospitals.
Malta continues to advocate for a more significant presence of child protection advisers in South Kivu, in line with Resolution 2717.
I thank you.