Press Statement of MONUSCO Regarding Operations Against Armed Groups in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kinshasa, 2^nd February 2016 - In response to press queries about the resumption of military cooperation between MONUSCO and the FARDC, the Mission would like to provide the following clarifications:

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has sovereign and primary responsibility for the protection of its citizens. MONUSCO stands ready to support the Government in these efforts, in line with its mandate to protect civilians. In this regard, MONUSCO welcomes the Government’s acceptance of the Mission’s proposal to resume coordinated offensive operations, which resulted in an agreed arrangement for military cooperation on 28 January 2016.

With regard to cooperation with the FARDC, MONUSCO is confident that the measures put in place with the Government to mitigate risk and provide appropriate monitoring where necessary will ensure that MONUSCO-supported operations against ADF, FDLR and other armed groups are undertaken in line with the United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy.

MONUSCO welcomes the opportunity for a deepened partnership with the Government as it works to address the remaining security challenges facing the country.