UN Security Council lifts notification requirements for arms supply to DR Congo

Kinshasa welcomes resolution, says measure had frustrated efforts to arm the armed forces

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday lifting notification requirements for arms shipments to the Democratic Republic of Congo and renewed the mandate of the UN mission in the country known as MONUSCO for another year.

The Security Council decided to lift the obligation to notify the 1533 Committee of “any shipment of arms or related materiel” as well as “any provision of assistance, consultancy services or training in relation to military activities.”

The Security Council decided that the “notification requirement referred to in paragraph 5 of resolution 1807 (2008) shall cease to apply,” the resolution read in part.

It however maintained the arms embargo on all nongovernmental entities and individuals operating in the territory of the DR Congo.

The resolution, presented by France, was hailed by the government in Kinshasa.

“The government welcomes the adoption by the UN Security Council of the resolution lifting the requirement for notification of arms purchases under the 1533 sanctions regime of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said a statement issued by the Ministry of Communications and Media.

“This resolution thus rectifies an injustice that prevented our country from freely acquiring military equipment to enable the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to have the necessary capabilities to defend the homeland.”

In another resolution, the Security Council renewed the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo until Dec. 20, 2023.

MONUSCO will maintain authorized strength of 13,500 military personnel, 660 military observers and staff officers, 591 individual police officers and 1,410 personnel of formed police units, according to the resolution.

The government said it had taken note of the extension of the MONUSCO mandate but remained determined to continue the implementation of a gradual and phased withdrawal plan.

Kaynak:

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