DRC Security Framework
Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of
the Congo and the region 1
1. Significant progress has been achieved in the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the past decade. The local and regional peace processes initiated at that time laid the foundation for relative peace and stability in large parts of the country. Similarly, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has begun some reforms, with partners’ support, that are intended to lay the ground for economic recovery, and the democratization of the country.
2. However, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has continued to suffer from recurring cycles of conflict and persistent violence by armed groups, both Congolese and foreign.
3. The consequences of this violence have been nothing short of devastating. Acts of sexual violence and serious violations of human rights are used regularly and almost daily as weapons of war. Displacement figures are among the highest in the world and persistently hover near two mi (I ion people. The implementation of the country’s reconstruction, security sector reform and poverty alleviation program is regularly disrupted.
4. Despite these challenges, the recent crisis has created a window of opportunity to address the root causes of conflict and put an end to recurring cycles of violence. There is increasing recognition that the current path is untenable. Beginning with a cessation of hostilities, concrete action is needed by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the support of partners, countries in the region, and the international community and building on the efforts already underway by the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region and the Southern African Development Community.
5. The principles of engagement at each of these levels shall consist of commitments in the following areas:
For the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
A renewed commitment:
• To continue, and deepen security sector reform, particularly with respect to the Army and Police;
• To consolidate State authority, particularly in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including to prevent armed groups from destabilizing neighboring countries;
• To make progress with regard to decentralization;
• To further economic development, including with respect to the expansion of infrastructure and basic social service delivery;
• To further structural reform of Government institutions, including financial reform; and
• To further the agenda of reconciliation, tolerance and democratization.
For the region:
A renewed commitment:
To neither tolerate nor provide assistance or support of any kind to armed groups; To respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring countries; To strengthen regional cooperation including deepening economic integration with special consideration for the exploitation of natural resources;
• To respect the legitimate concerns and interests of the neighboring countries, in particular regarding security matters;
• To neither harbor nor provide protection of any kind to persons accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, acts of genocide or crimes of aggression, or persons falling under the United Nations sanctions regime; and,
• To facilitate the administration of justice through judicial cooperation within the region. For the international community:
• The Security Council would remain seized of the importance of supporting the long-term stability of Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region;
• A renewed commitment by bilateral partners to remain engaged in supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region, including with appropriate means to ensure longwterm sustainability; and to support the implementation of the Protocols and priority projects of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes region.
• A renewed commitment to work towards the revitalization of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) and support the implementation of its economic development and regional integration agenda;
• A strategic review of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) that aims to strengthen support to the Government to enable it to address security challenges and extend State authority;
• Appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy to support efforts to reach durable solutions in a multi-track plan that allows the convergence of all initiatives in progress. Oversight mechanisms
6. To promote these principles, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, neighboring countries, regional partners, and the international community should work in a synchronized manner.
7. A regional oversight mechanism involving these leaders of the region, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of South Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Uganda, and the Republic of Zambia with the good offices of the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Chairperson of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, and the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community in the role of guarantors, shall be established to meet regularly and review progress in the implementation of the regional commitments outlined above, with due regard for the national sovereignty of the States concerned.
8. This 11 + 4 mechanism is in support of the ongoing regional efforts and shall therefore be supported by and closely linked to the African Union, the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, the Southern African Development Community, as well as those of other international partners, including the European Union, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. The detailed plan for the implementation of this Framework will be developed jointly including the establishment of benchmarks and appropriate follow-up measures.
9. The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo shall put in place, within the Government, a national oversight mechanism in order to accompany and oversee the implementation of the national commitments for reform outlined above. The United Nations, the African Union, the World Bank, the African Development Bank and other bilateral or multilateral partners of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that are agreed upon shall provide support to this mechanism.
10. The national oversight mechanism will operate in full respect of the national sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
11. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) shall be part of the solution, continuing to work closely with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Done at Addis Ababa, on 24 February 2013
1. in this context, region is defined as the signatory countries of the agreement.