Vietnam voices concerns over continued insecurity in Congo

The DRC is home to the largest number of internally displaced people throughout Africa with 5.2 million, whilst between July and December a total of 21.8 million individuals were facing acute food insecurity, the Vietnamese diplomat told the meeting.

Ambassador Anh underlined the importance of providing support to the DRC by protecting civilians and dealing with the root causes of conflicts in the African country. This can be achieved through strengthening the role of the state, promoting security reforms, enhancing resource management, and encouraging greater economic development.

He also called for regional co-operation to take place along with acts of assistance from the international community in order to stabilise the situation, not only in the DRC but throughout the wider region.

In her briefing at the event, Leila Zerrougui, special representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), said the DRC is in the midst of a period of heightened political tensions, marked by persistent differences within the governing coalition.

The past month has seen the mission meet with numerous representatives of political forces, along with relevant civil societies, in an effort to encourage them to resolve their differences through dialogue, whilst also avoiding any provocations that may result in violence, she said.

She further showed concern over the current situation in Eastern Congo which has seen no progress made. Indeed, continued insecurity and the theft of natural resources caused by armed groups, as well as displacements, have severely affected the lives of local civilians across many regions.

Zerrougui also reported to the UNSC on a new strategy that aims for joint participation between the DRC Government and MONUSCO for the ultimate withdrawal of the mission from the African country.