The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has invited the United Nations Mission in the country (Monusco) to remove from Congolese territory its spokesperson, Mathias Gilmann, accused of having made inappropriate remarks.
In a note addressed to the head of Monusco, dated July 28 but made public on Wednesday August 4, the Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that “the government will appreciate (…) very much that arrangements are made for Mr. Gillmann to leave the territory”, and this “as soon as possible”.
“The government considers that the presence of this official on the national territory is not likely to promote a climate of mutual trust and serenity so essential between the Congolese institutions and Monusco”, continues the document.
This framework of the UN mission is accused by the Congolese authorities of having made “unscrupulous and inopportune statements” in an interview recently given to RFI. Among his remarks, he would have affirmed, according to Kinshasa, that Monusco, nor even the Congolese army, do not have the military means necessary to face the rebel movement M23 which would be equipped with more sophisticated weapons.
The M23 clashes with the army in eastern DRC. The rebellion has succeeded in subjugating a city to its control and is eyeing other localities, according to observers.
Monusco said it took note of the Congolese government’s decision to expel its spokesperson, while regretting this initiative. She, however, reiterated her commitment to continue to work alongside the Congolese population and authorities within the framework of her mandate defined by the Security Council.
By OMA Newsletter N° 807 of 04/08/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
