The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Tim McKeeby
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Argentina will defend the values it represents: peace and respect for human rights, regardless of any country that is being threatened. With this being stated, Argentina denounces the rebel militias in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) including but limited to the Lord’s Resistance Army, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, and the M23 Rebel Cell. Since the government of the DRC have contributed few options to root out militia groups, the Security Council has called forth of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) to stabilize the DRC and halt the violence.

In March of 2013, the Security Council approved resolution 2098. Resolution 2098 intends to promote to use an “offensive” combat force, which is intended to carry out targeted operations to “neutralize and disarm” the Congolese rebels. Argentina supports resolution 2098 and MONUSCO, out of concern for the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in DRC and neighboring countries. We state that the resolution’s implementation should help ensure protection, ensure the promotion of human rights and humanitarian law, and help end impunity.

An intervention brigade would be able to carry out offensive actions. Argentina expresses our concerns and doubts of an intervention brigade. Even though the resolution 2098 and MONUSCO clearly exclaimed that the brigade would not set a precedent, the negotiations leading to its adoption had not been as broad or extensive. Argentina will like the UN Security Council to deeply reflect and continue additional negotiations to improve the “intervention brigade”. The idea of “enforcing peace rather than keeping it” requires more effort and consideration to the DRC’s civilians, surrounding countries to eradicate the militias and restore peace and respect for human rights in the DRC.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Amelia Wittig
School: Saline High School

In the past few decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced strife and unrest throughout the country. The instability and lack of governance has created a haven for militias and terrorist groups that must be addressed by the United Nations Security Council. Recently, peacekeeping missions in the region have seen success and Australia would like to see a renewed international investment in these missions.

Australia and the African nations have had a unique relationship as of late. While not close geographically, the two continents have become intermingled through shared diplomatic and economic interests. Australia is a strong supporter of the United Nations and its peacekeeping missions in the region, contributing to the budget at every opportunity. The nation has been an active member of talks to stabilize the nation and believes there is still much to be done if the nation is to become the leader it is capable of being. At the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been affected by the conflicts of the countries it borders. The Security Council must do more than send troops to stop the violence; it must work with neighboring nations to understand the political, ethnic, and economic atmosphere of the region. Australia affirms the use of the “intervention brigade” and hopes to see the Security Council further its efforts to protect civilians from the conflict. In addition, we would like to see cooperation between bordering nations and international non-governmental organizations to provide support to the millions of refugees who desperately need it.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: China
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Allen
School: Fishers High School

Since October of 1960, the Republic of China has developed relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and continue to support them through trade and donations to the country. The Chinese government has created numerous building projects in the DRC, and the DRC grew their raw material exports to China immensely since 2002. In 2004, China deployed around 1,500 soldiers through the UN’s help to Liberia and the DRC, and is involved in military attaches for peacemaking. China provides military training and equipment to numerous African countries including DRC, including patrol boats for the DRC military. While China has not been a key player in the conflict in the DRC, they have previously funded and supported the efforts to keep rebel groups out of power in affiliation with the UN and DRC’s government.

In the past, the Republic of China has been willing and capable of helping create more peaceful situations throughout Africa through its funds and other forms of support, and would like to continue this action. China has provided many funds towards African nations such as DRC in order to restore peace throughout the countries, and strives for international peace and security through better UN transparency, authority, and efficiency. However, China recognizes the need for preservation of its own independence and sovereignty, and understands that this is important to other nations involved as well. China has recently been trying to involve themselves more into human rights issues, and peacemaking around the world, and have been in close contact with DRC about other matters of business. These ties allow for China to feel compelled to continue working to end the conflict occurring around DRC, through the support already put in place, and more funding and action set up to assist DRC.

China believes that the best way to handle the conflict in DRC is to create programs for refugees to reside while the UN develops long-term solutions to the problems in DRC. Refugee camps will not be acceptable as the only assistance to DRC because of the gravity of the conflict. China thinks that creating a fund for the training of Congo soldiers, as well as a greater bank of equipment, would be extremely beneficial to the conflicts in DRC. The largest problems in this conflict are the lack of talented soldiers on the government’s “side,” which could be rectified through as well-planned and organized training program from countries around the world. Successful military countries will be able to isolate their strengths, donate their time, and teach the militaries of the Congo how to fight efficiently, and ferociously. As well as funding for training, we will need volunteers from the strength of each country’s military strengths that will be able to train the soldiers of DRC. Funding for equipment has already been put into place by China, with a small amount of money being continuously utilized to create and use patrol boats for the DRC military. With the training of soldiers and the equipment provided by the UN, the rebel forces will not be able to withstand the current government.

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http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/821299.shtml#.UnRshJFTjwI

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13283212

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: France
Delegate Name: Steven Saham
School: Roeper School

Fellow Delegates, the Republic of France would like to once again state its condemnation of the acts of sexual violence and indiscriminate killing taking place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC). We also wish to reiterate the importance of the MUNOSCO and the Addis Ababa agreement. Strengthening MUNOSCO forces is imperative in preventing as many violations of human rights as possible in the short term. In the long term it is most important to continue strengthening the DRC as a nation. This includes strengthening its military by preventing former war criminals from being promoted up through its ranks as well as providing the necessary equipment and training to the Congolese military for it to be an effective fighting force. Also, we agree with another goal of MUNOSCO which is training and empowering Congolese women. This will also lead to the establishment of a secure Congolese state in the future

France believes that in order to ensure security in Congo, much can be learned from Africa’s recent history. We have learned that wherever unrest prevails terrorism arises and we have also learned that foreign interference of neighboring nations and armed groups only leads to disaster. It is for this reason that France believes this Situation must be resolved as efficiently as possible and with no independent foreign aid. The solution to the security of the DRC and the prevention of sexual violence within it’s borders lies in cooperation between the Congolese government as well as the entire international community. Military as well as political cooperation must exist in order to ensure the security of the DRC. The recent success of Congolese troops with the assistance of a UN sponsored African Union force to bring about the surrender of the M23 group is a model of how international assistance can bring a close to this sorry chapter in Congo’s history which has resulted in the loss of over a million lives in the past decade. France seeks to work with other nations to strengthen the measures this body has already implemented.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Winston Richards
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is that of disarray. Being the second largest country in Africa and a hot-spot for natural resources the Democratic Republic of Congo has potential to be an advanced nation. Having been engaged in a number of civil wars over the past few decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo has continued to stifle its development. The armed conflicts have brought constant instability specifically to the Kivu province and the city of Goma. The result of this action is unnecessary bloodshed paired with atrocities such as sexual exploitation.

Although the Republic of Guatemala shares no direct ties to the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is none the less concerned or upset at the situation at hand. Beyond the human side of things, Guatemala feels that itself along with the rest of the world could benefit from a peaceful resolution. A more united, stronger Democratic Republic of Congo would mean a more powerful trading partner and thus increasing its own standing as an involved world leader.

As previously stated, Guatemala is morally opposed to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Guatemala does not tolerate such senseless violence and is an active participant in attempting to resolve the struggle. Guatemala has over 150 troops currently deployed as a part of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This newly bolstered United Nations presence has already made great strides by recently defeating one of the major rebel groups, the M 23. The Republic of Guatemala plans to continue to be at the center of the UN Mission until the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is resolved. This stability could in turn overflow and help the region of central Africa become less bellicose and more developed.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Luxembourg
Delegate Name: Ian Leuty
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

The Nation of Luxembourg and the delegates of the Security Council of the United Nations strongly reaffirm the principles set forth in the MONUSCO Mandate. The need to establish sovereignty of the People of the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains at the center of this mandate. Along with this, it is the concern of the Council to acknowledge efforts to quell rebel combat in the northern Kivu region. The Council looks favorably upon actions to protect humanitarian interests through cooperation with forces in place in the DRC.

Luxembourg and the council welcome the support of the government of the DRC in it's promise to support actions of delegated organizations as well as holding groups which commit humanitarian atrocities accountable for their actions and working with the Council to persecute these groups.

The Council reaffirms the actions of United Nations Peacekeepers and strongly encourages cooperation with resolutions and actions by the Council and it's delegates. The Nation of Luxembourg reiterates it's concerns with the representation of Humanitarian interests in this conflict.

Further provisions as established by the MONUSCO mandate are to be upheld with interest to the Luxembourg delegation. The Council looks favorably on efforts for a peaceful resolution to conflict and a discussion of peaceful negotiations of voluntary disarmament of groups which pose serious humanitarian threats.

The Nation of Luxembourg and it's fellow delegations stress the importance of peaceful resolution so as to protect the peace and wellbeing of DRC citizens as well as the long term recovery efforts of the area. With the condemnation of violence, rapes, and other such humanitarian abuses, the Nation of Luxembourg expresses it's concern for the humanitarian interest in the DRC.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Zoe Bommarito
School: Williamston High School

Concluding with millions of deaths, the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not only one that has been addressed several times by this council; but also, a problem that has not ceased to harm the innocent civilians of this vital nation since the end of the Second Congo War officially ended in 2003. The United Nations aim to find peace in the midst of heinous situations like internal wars, and has hoped with the cession would come improvement; but the DRC has relinquished control to radical and harmful groups within its nation. Although the intervention brigade and those peacekeeping forces that accompany it have rid the nation of rebels, like the M23, Morocco believes an offensive force which pushes a group out, may only alleviate the situation temporarily. MONUSCO is the largest peacekeeping force in the world today, and although they have calmed the eastern region now, the stability of the nation relies on the discontinuance of human rights violations and the internal growth the DRC must endure.

Morocco addressed ethnic tensions that may very well be the root of this deep found situation; and although various western powers have tried time and time again to use force and interrupt our flourishing continent, our kingdom urges both the entirety of Africa and the Middle East to resist western influence as if it was the plague. Central Africa must focus on humanitarian issues rather than offensive western militant strategies. The region will only excel through regional and internal growth; western culture will only disrupt the advancement of the DRC. Offensive force can be helpful to bring temporary peace to cities, however; the M23 rebels have a rich past of brief treaties, and disguising themselves of local civilians until their next attack. The people of the DRC are living in terror, their only concerns are when the next time they are raped, robbed, or violated, not to mention simple survival burdens like where they will sleep or get their next meal. With so many internal displaced people (IDPs) and poor refugee camps, few civilians have found permanent or semi-permanent homes. We must not fail to address the severe humanitarian issues, just because our focus is solely on these rebel militias. The innocent lives of civilians must not be overturned.

Considering Morocco is the principle leader of the Arab community; and therefore, the Arab Maghreb Union, it sees the shear value of regional bodies in fragile situations like these. Morocco charges that the Southern African Development Community and the Central African Republic, two batteries the DRC takes part in, must play a larger role in the establishment of firm infrastructure and security within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. MONUSCO should still be present in this region, and peacekeepers will be deployed, but that cannot be the sole solution. The United Nations must work hand in hand with this developing nation, and their regional organizations which support them to conclude a viable long term solution. Renewals of MONUSCO and UNHRC mandates are inevitable; however, the international community cannot expect a nation to prosper with a dependency on foreign aid and resources. The UNHRC and the Ministry of Social Affairs should oversee funding for improved refugee and IDP camps within the nations, and also campaigns against the violent and aggressive human rights violations that occur several times a day in this region, largely, rape of women and children. Though the fund should be yeaned off within a set period of time, the delegate of Morocco advocates a span of ten to fifteen years of modified funding to ensure maximum growth for the DRC.

The Security Council must address the Kingdom of Morocco’s pleas to the national sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo and its regional counterparts of Africa. This vital territory must not be overtaken by western influence, and a viable long term solution cannot succeed with such. The root of this issue is not the radical groups which terrorize its people, but the humanitarian issues and lack of infrastructure that inhabits the country.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Meaghan Lynch
School: Royal Oak High School

The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has made a turn for the better in recent weeks with the rebel group M23 announcing its disarmament; however, Pakistan would like to remind the body that the severity of the situation at hand has yet to cease. Pakistan has long been devoted to rooting out militia groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including in regularly supplying peacekeeping troops to the region. Pakistan further wishes to see the demobilization of these groups. Regretfully, earlier this year, a Pakistani peacekeeper was killed in a targeted attack in the DRC. Pakistan continues to support proposed peaceful solutions to the civil war in the DRC– including a ceasefire by additional militia groups in the region, increased security institutions in DRC, and regional economic interdependence. Pakistan condones the continuation of UN efforts in the regions, especially United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); however, Pakistan has its reservations– we urge the assurance that such an intervention brigade does not set precedent for future peacekeeping missions, as to prevent any further targeting of peacekeepers by militia groups while encouraging peaceful dialogue and respect for human rights.

In addition to the economic and political turmoil the Congolese civil war has caused, it is also certainly a humanitarian crisis, with 2.6 million refugees to date fleeing the DRC for countries in the surrounding region including Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda. Pakistan firmly supports the "Framework of Hope," or The Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Region. Pakistan would especially encourage the nations surrounding the DRC to follow the framework, "…to neither tolerate nor provide assistance to armed groups…" Pakistan calls upon these nations "…to neither harbour nor provide protection to any person accused of war crimes or crimes against humanity" (Framework). However, many civilians have fled the country as well. Pakistan has taken in Afghan refugees in the past and calls upon nations surrounding DRC to do similarly and take on refugees if the resources are available until they can return to their home country safely and with dignity.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Madison Ford
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been in disarray. In 1996, Rwanda and Uganda both defeated the DRC’s military during an invasion in the east. The conflict grew into what is called the Great War of Africa. This war involved almost all of the surrounding countries. Rwanda and Uganda invaded in hopes of finding Hutu perpetrators. Since 1998, there have been approximately 5 million deaths as a result of the conflict, making the war one of the most destructive in modern history. Throughout this time of conflict, the Russian Federation has offered aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the form of humanitarian aid and health care for the measles outbreak. Russia has maintained good relations with the DR Congo, and it is obvious that we seek to end the conflict in the most peaceful way possible.

There have been many resolutions drafted and signed in the hopes of solving the situation in the Congo, but none have been successful enough. While the Russian Federation is open to offering aid, we believe that too much intervention could be a bad thing. With peacekeepers already in place, it’s important that we don’t overstep our bounds or allow other nations to move in and try to shape the region while helping to resolve the conflict. It’s important to allow nations in conflict to develop their own democratic state, and supporting the cause is the best way to go about it. If the United Nations offers support to the government and reinforced democratic ideas and actions, the conflict can be resolved easier.

Insuring that neighboring nations support the effort of eliminating militia groups and establishing a democratic government is obviously very important. If the conflict comes to an end, it will not only benefit the DRC, but its neighbors as well. For this reason, they should be seeking to support the government in its efforts to resolve the conflict. In response to the refugee crisis, peace must be established so the refugees can return home. This is another way that the Democratic Republic of Congo’s neighbors can help support the cause and also get rewarded. The more support they offer, the faster the conflict will be resolved which means that the refugees may return to their home countries. Russia firmly believes that this will help end the conflict and help to establish a democracy without too much interference.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Rwanda
Delegate Name: Hannah Thomas
School: Royal Oak High School

The Republic of Rwanda shares its western border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which makes this topic of the utmost importance for not only the international community, but my country’s national security.Attention must be brought to peacekeeping missions in the region such as MONUSCO and agreements such as Addis Ababa in order for our group to compromise and bring about solutions to this issue. MONUSCO has been an comprehensive approach to the situation in the DRC, but the continued presence of armed militia groups within the nation poses a continued threat to the region’s stability. As of yet, there isn’t a major international peace initiative that addresses the core interests of Rwanda, which is creating stability and an economic interdependence within the region.

It is of the utmost importance that all rebel groups within the DRC cease all forms of violence in order to uphold the United Nations’ responsibility of the maintenance of international peace and security. Throughout this process we find it suitable that the Democratic Republic of Congo take responsibility in helping resolve this issue in not only peace talks with rebel groups, but also the demobilizing of said groups. As an increasing amount of refugees and displaced persons are leaving the DRC it is increasingly important that ex-militia members are turned into an authority, either international or within the nation itself.

The Republic of Rwanda believes that throughout the discussion the root causes for this conflict are not ignored and are thoroughly discussed. Without stopping the recurring cycles within this conflict it will be impossible to come up with a solution. We urge the security council to think of peaceful solutions, ones that will involve regional cooperation, not further the regional instability that this situation has already caused.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Keenan Smith
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Essentially, the Democratic Republic of Congo exists in a sort of two-state disharmony. While there exists a central government, there is also a large portion of the country which has been controlled by various competing rebel groups for the past few decades. Although the conflict with Rwanda has officially ended, their influence and pressure can be felt throughout. What is more upsetting is the scale of the human carnage here; over 5 million dead since 1998, millions of Congolese made refugees by the war are scattered across the country and its borders, and the future millions to die if nothings is done. A critical issue here is the instability and division that exists within the central government. Yet, until recently, the international community has done little to stop this.

It was only this year that the United Nations Security Council deployed an intervention brigade to combat the rebel presence, including that of the M23, in the eastern part of the nation. This brigade has already seen a great amount of success, and therefore should be supported in full in order to allow the job to be done. The Republic of Korea sees the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a potential regional power if they are given the chance to recuperate. We have opened up trade channels between our two nations, where we receive minerals in exchange for the development of their infrastructure. This sort of trade is what sews the seeds of productivity and growth in nations, and we hope to see further economic gestures made by our fellow member-states.

The Republic of Korea feels that it is the job of the United Nations to truly get to the root of this issue. We believe one key aspect of the conflict that must be addressed is handling the supporters of the rebels groups, primarily neighboring nations. Another key issue is the handling of the refugees in the country. By encouraging neighboring nations to donate the resources necessary, we can build inter-regional support and connections based on peace, instead of violence. Lastly, the Republic of Korea believes that the core of ensuring a peaceful future in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the development of a solid, well-structured government which will right the wrongs of their former colonial governance. The cycle of mismanagement must be broken so that the Democratic Republic of Congo can move from being a bloody non-state to a regional staple and an economic powerhouse.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: Togo
Delegate Name: Tonantzin Real Rojas
School: Instituto Educativo Olinca

Even though it is claimed that the Second Congo War was ended in 2003, hostilities in the country continue and also the killing of hundreds of citizens and children soldiers’ by the rebels. Togolese Republic, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, is against the rebels’ violence towards innocent civilians and has supported resolutions adopted by the UN in order to stop the conflict.

According to UN, there have been 537 military and police personnel, including observers who have been supporting civilians with human rights, humanitarian and political affairs, public information, child protection, medical and administrative support. Togo has provided police personnel throughout DRC’s conflict in order to stop rebels’ violations to innocent civilians.

On March 28th, 2013, Security Council made a resolution which renewed MONUSCO’s mandate, where an intervention to neutralize rebel groups was included; Togo was in favor of it and expected the Organization to be able to accomplish its objective. Togolese Republic among Security Council condemned, in 2012, M23 rebel group due to the latest attacks made by them, which resulted in the displacement of more civilians.

Due to the continuous attacks made by rebels against UN and/or any organization who tries to stop the conflict, Togolese Republic considers that the resolutions made must end with the attacks. However, it knows the difficulty by which Security Council might go through in order to accomplish such goal.

To achieve a viable solution, Togolese Republic has been supporting MONUSCO and Security Council. It is in favor of the attempts made by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government in order to stop the conflict. Togo considers essential to end with rebels violations to Congo’s citizens and to sanction any criminal acts done against them.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Cara Hoover
School: Vicksburg High School

The United Kingdom has been a major donor into the efforts present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and continues to support that a stable DRC is of upmost importance for its innocent civilians, as well as for the neighboring countries. The United Kingdom supports that if there is a stable DRC, then the continent of Africa will gain a legitimate and effective country that does not serve its own interest, but also the best interest of its citizens. A stable DRC will see a sustainable economic growth that will lead to the improvement of the health, education, and living conditions for the Congolese citizens.

The United Kingdom would like to express its support for the ongoing United Nations peacekeeping mission MONUSCO and state that we, the delegation for the United Kingdom, are in full support of this mission and believe that its success is the key for creating the stable DRC. It is the continual presence of MONUSCO that this delegation believes is going to help "combat," a term used in a non-military fashion, unrest within the boundaries of the DRC. This belief that the delegation has just expressed is supported by the M23 rebel groups repeated withdrawal of their occupation of the key town Goma, every time they are faced with a threat from MONUSCO and the Congolese army.

The delegation of the United Kingdom would like to now acknowledge that the DRC reserves its rights to govern its own lands, and that minimal United Nations help should be implemented in order to ensure that peace is being kept and the human rights of men, women, and children are being respected. The United Kingdom would also like to state that if the option is available, that our fellow Security Council members should keep in mind that sometimes the best approach to a situation can be through diplomatic means and though humanitarian support.

Topic: The Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Nathaniel Hawkins
School: Mattawan High School

The situation in The Democratic Republic of the Congo is an ongoing issue that requires specific attention. Terrorist groups, including but not limited to the Army for the Liberation of Rwanda (ALIR), the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), the People’s Revolutionary Party (PRP), the Popular Self-Defense Forces (FAP), the West Nile Bank Front (WNBF), and the domestic M23 Rebel Cell, are the cause to political unrest, hundreds of civilian casualties, and unrest in the African Peninsula. Along with the multitude of terrorist organizations within the DRC, economic and political issues also need to be addressed by this committee. The stability of this geographically central nation is key to the overall political stability of Africa.

As the United States views this issue, the focal point of UN effort should be directed towards the incoming terrorist groups from bordering nations. Terrorist groups are flooding in from neighboring nations, such as Uganda, Rwanda, Angola, Sudan, and Tanzania, to hide in the thick, tropical rainforests amongst the nation’s four hundred thousand square mile area. The likelihood of a terrorist cell being found in the DRC is incredibly slim; however, these groups very rarely lie dormant. One of the most active cells in the DRC is the domestic group, M23. MONUSCO, the United Nations’ solution to this issue, has been incredibly effective in nearly eliminating the military of M23. After M23 shot down a UN helicopter on October 5, 2013, the MONUSCO forces pushed M23 from their stronghold in the Kivu province, leaving only the stronghold in Rumangabo. M23 has nearly seen its military end. The UN needs to continue this pattern of action with the remaining groups in the Congo. Since M23 still controls the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda and Rwanda, little can be done to stop this flow of rebels crossing over into the DRC. This border needs to be liberated by a multilateral body, preferably an extension of MONUSCO. This way, peace talks and negotiations can continue in between these terrorist groups and the surrounding nations of the Congo. Peace talks that have already been initiated in Kinsasha, DRC, Kampala, Uganda, and Kigali, Rwands need to be bolstered to ensure the stability and lasting peace of Central-Africa. Aside from the terrorist activities, the political stability of the DRC is in question. In December 2006, the DRC held its first democratic election in over forty years. With the help of the United States, the Congo found political stability in the form of a democracy. The tension within the DRC in response to the terrorist cells threatens this newly formed, free democracy. A focus of this committee should be preserving a political system that is in the best interest of the people of the DRC. As a result of terrorist attacks, over one hundred thousand people have become internationally displaced persons (IDP’s) in the last year alone. The UN needs to find a way to get these individuals home for the purpose of preserving the millennium development goal of an improvement of the quality of life for every individual, and also, on a more economical note, less citizens at home and at work means economic consequences for the government. A return of these IDP’s could stimulate the economy of the DRC, which would, in turn, allow them to better defend themselves from outside terrorist activities.

Major areas of concern for the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the terrorist groups within and the effects it has politically and economically. A solution would be supported by the United States that took multilateral action to stopping these groups and preserving the nation of the DRC, while still considering the national sovereignty of the Congo.