Pope Francis appeals for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo

by Congo | Dec 27, 2016 | Congo Today

Question 8

Cosmas Mungazi / Eastern Torch (Goma): My question is for the spokesman for MONUSCO. I am going to start from a principle of law which says that international texts and agreements take precedence over national laws.

Today, we observed that MONUSCO no longer behaves. If the national authority accepts something, MONUSCO also follows suit. The President accepted the first dialogue, the second dialogue. I would simply like to know where the international texts that emanate from resolution 2277 are.

MONUSCO [Félix Prosper Basse] spokesperson: Yes, I do not agree with your statement, which implies that MONUSCO is behind the Congolese authorities. I believe that we must respect both the institutions of the republic and certain international organizations that are there to help a little comfort the Congolese people who need it so much.

So you are quite right to say that international texts prevail over national texts. This is a rule of international law which is widely shared. But what I do not understand is that you make an amalgam between the dialogue or the second dialogue. Once again, I repeat, the repetition is pedagogical, but I want to say it once and for all, at the end of 2016, which nevertheless saw our exchanges improve and be more and more fruitful For the benefit of the Congolese people, I would like to reaffirm strongly that the fate of the Congolese is in the hands of the Congolese.

You have to be very clear on that. MONUSCO supports and supports the initiatives that have been taken by the authorities of this country, as we have come to this country also following the invitation of a member of the UN family in difficulty and we are here to help alleviate The suffering of the civilian population.

But the destiny of the Congolese once again is in the hands of the Congolese, not in the hands of MONUSCO. It will be necessary to come to this evidence to understand that all that comes in addition is only a contribution, is only a contribution, a participation of the United Nations to the collective effort of the Congolese.

But Congo is a sovereign country. It should not be forgotten either. We respect that sovereignty. But to respect this sovereignty does not mean to be in tow with the authorities of this country. No I’m sorry, I do not share that view.

But we continue the dialogue, we continue to talk with the authorities, we also continue to express our views on what is going on, what is wrong, because there are also things that are going well.

So that’s what I can say on this issue. But no, we are not in tow for anyone. We have a mandate given to us by the Security Council, which remains and remains our sole boss.

Congo
Latest posts by Congo (see all)