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Ensuring Credibility for DR Congo Elections - UN Representative Briefs Security Council

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Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, briefing on the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 8397th meeting
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The head of the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) told the Security Council that “our collective focus must now be on ensuring the credibility” of the upcoming election process in the country.
Addressing the Security Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the DRC and the chief of MONUSCO, said “it is of paramount importance that candidates have equal access to political space during the campaign period, and that restrictions on peaceful demonstrations are lifted consistently throughout the country.”
Zerrougui also noted that there is a potential for armed group interference in elections in specific areas throughout eastern DRC - particularly in the provinces of Tanganyika, South Kivu, and the Grand and Petit Nord areas of North Kivu.
She said “armed group violence in these key provinces could affect the secure deployment of electoral material and may prevent certain parts of the population from voting on election day, thus impacting the inclusivity of the process.”
The special representative added “it will be especially important for the Government to take steps in the coming weeks to secure polls, particularly to ensure the participation of women, who make up 50 per cent of registered voters.”
Zerrougui also raised that she has grown “increasingly alarmed" over the situation in Beni in recent months, where her Mission continues to “face major challenges” in implementing its mandate.
She said “as I mentioned to you in my last briefing, civilians, the FARDC, and MONUSCO alike are targeted by ADF and Mai-Mai groups,” noting that despite FARDC efforts, the Mission’s robust patrolling, and ongoing joint operations, these attacks continue, and are taking place increasingly near the centre of Beni town.
On Ebola, the Special Representative said “we are still seeing a growing number of cases in the major population centres of Beni and Butembo and significant community resistance to response efforts.”
She added “women are disproportionately affected, representing about 60 per cent of all probable and confirmed cases.”
Zerrougui reaffirmed that the Mission will continue its support to Ebola efforts as a matter of utmost priority, also taking into account a gendered response lens.
The presidential election in the country is scheduled to be held on 23 December this year.
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