What's In Blue

Posted Tue 8 Nov 2011

Briefing and Consultations on the DRC

On Tuesday 8 November, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Roger Meece will brief the Council on the UN’s mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Following the public briefing, Council members will have consultations during which Margot Wallström, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, will brief.

The briefing and consultations are likely to address preparations for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in the DRC on 28 November. (The Council was last briefed by Meece on the election process on 17 October via video-conference.)

The latest Secretary-General’s report on MONUSCO (S/2011/656) was released on 29 October. It notes that there are significant delays in the procurement and distribution of electoral material. At present however, the elections are planned to be held as scheduled.

The report also expresses concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Kivus, linking it to the reconfiguration of the DRC army’s deployment in the area and desertions of some elements from the army. It also covers the difficulty faced by MONUSCO in protecting civilians due to a shortage in utility helicopters and a lack of military attack helicopters.

It appears no press statement has yet been circulated between Council members. However, it is possible the Council may issue a press statement at the end of the meeting, in light of the information it receives from Meece and Wallström in consultations

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