The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday renewed the mandate of the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) until 20 December 2023 and gave the ‘green light’ to lift the notification requirement for supplies of military equipment and assistance.
«MONUSCO will maintain a maximum authorized strength of 13,500 military personnel, 660 military observers and staff officers, 591 police officers and 1,410 members of formed police units, and invites the Secretariat to consider further reducing MONUSCO’s military personnel,» the text reads.
The two resolutions, presented by the French mission to the UN, were unanimously approved and will allow MONUSCO to assist the Congolese authorities in the run-up to the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 20, 2023.
The Security Council has also 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».
«Reiterates that the measures set out in paragraph 1 of resolution 1807 (2008) continue to apply to all individuals and non-governmental entities operating in the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Decides that the notification requirement referred to in paragraph 5 of resolution 1807 (2008) shall cease to apply,» the resolution reads.
MONUSCO, according to the document, has set itself three priority objectives, which have to do with the protection of the civilian population, working on disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and stabilization, as well as accelerating security sector reform.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
