PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday that the current security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) demands urgent attention.
Ramaphosa was speaking in Bunjumbura, Burundi, where he was participating in the 11th High Level Segment of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the DRC and the Great Lakes region.
He further said the re-emergence of the M23 armed group, which was believed to have been dismantled in 2013/2014, is particularly concerning.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Region on February 24, 2013.
At the time of its signing, there were high hopes that the Framework would pave the way for peace, security, stability, and development in both the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.
“Unfortunately, a decade later, these noble goals have not been achieved … Ten years since the Framework was signed is an opportune occasion to take stock of where we are and to reflect on our successes as well as our ongoing challenges.,” said Ramaphosa.
“We cannot but be moved by their plight, and by the gross violations of human rights that are taking place. We cannot but be outraged at the scale of violence being perpetrated against women and girls, and by the blatant disregard of the provisions of international humanitarian law.”
Over the past year a humanitarian catastrophe has unfolded and to date, more than 800 000 people have been displaced by the conflict.
Ramaphosa said South Africa fully supports the revitalization efforts of the PSC Framework to respond to the evolving challenges of the present time.
He said that it is crucial for all parties involved to demonstrate a high level of political will and reaffirm their commitment to the successful implementation of the Framework.
He said the focus should be on several key areas, including addressing the root causes and drivers of violent conflicts in the region, combatting illegal exploitation of mineral resources, corruption, money laundering, and transnational organized crime, building institutional capacity for border management and control, as well as justice and law enforcement agencies.
Ramaphosa also called for continued UN support in providing capacity and technical assistance for state institutions to maintain accountability with respect to gender-based violence and to strengthen legal frameworks.
He also emphasized the need for greater cooperation, coordination, and complementarity of efforts between MONUSCO, the Armed Forces of the DRC, and the East African Community Regional Force.
To strengthen the peace and security situation in the eastern DRC, Ramaphosa proposed mobilizing resources to support the deployment of a Regional Force under the auspices of the EAC, and also strengthening MONUSCO’s capacity.
He urged countries in the region to accelerate developmental initiatives that address poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
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