During a UN Security Council briefing, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield underscored the United States’ commitment to working with the international community to address the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Speaking on December 9, 2024, she called for concerted efforts to support MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo) and emphasized the importance of a gradual and responsible transition in the mission’s operations.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield highlighted MONUSCO’s critical role in protecting civilians, fostering peace processes, and ensuring territorial integrity amid continued destabilization by armed groups in eastern DRC. She praised the Congolese government for its cooperation with MONUSCO, particularly in planning for a phased and flexible drawdown, while ensuring civilian safety and sustaining peace-building efforts.
The Ambassador also addressed the broader geopolitical complexities contributing to the crisis. She expressed concern over ceasefire violations by M23 forces, allegedly supported by Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF). She called for an end to such actions and urged Rwanda and the DRC to uphold their commitments under the Luanda Process, emphasizing Rwanda’s responsibility to withdraw its troops and cease support for M23. Concurrently, she urged the DRC to take decisive action against the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda).
Further, Thomas-Greenfield condemned Rwanda’s reported deployment of surface-to-air missile systems and GPS signal interference in North Kivu, which have disrupted MONUSCO operations and jeopardized the safety of UN personnel and civilians. She called for the immediate removal of these systems and cessation of interference.
The Ambassador also addressed MONUSCO’s critical partnership with Ugandan forces and the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) in countering ISIS-DRC, emphasizing the necessity for troop-contributing countries to fully commit to neutralizing these threats.
Amid these challenges, Thomas-Greenfield commended MONUSCO’s efforts to strengthen civilian protection in Ituri and its initiatives to train the Congolese Army’s SAMIDRC on human rights and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. She encouraged the Congolese government to uphold transparency in MONUSCO’s withdrawal plans to prevent misinformation and unrest.
In closing, the Ambassador reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting peace efforts, urging the international community to seize the opportunity presented by ongoing diplomatic engagements and MONUSCO’s presence to end the DRC’s long-standing conflict. Her message was one of hope and determination, emphasizing the need for unity and purpose to achieve lasting peace in the region.
“Let us work with purpose to meet this moment,” she concluded, signaling a collective resolve to address the suffering caused by the protracted crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Therwandan
