Security Council Meeting: Prevention and resolution of conflicts in the Great Lakes region

Statement by Michael Bonser, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations

New York, March 21, 2016

Mr. President,

We thank the Angolan Presidency for the opportunity to speak on the important issue of preventing and resolving conflict in the Great Lakes region.

As Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals outlines, peace and security cannot be separated from governance and development. As the citizens of the Great Lakes region know, poor governance, poverty, inequality, discrimination against women, and inadequate management of natural resources can all have destabilizing effects.

Canada is deeply concerned about shrinking political space and a lack of respect for constitutional term limits among some countries in the region and elsewhere. As we see today in Burundi, states which do not allow for open and inclusive political dialogue, or respect for human rights or constitutional rule cannot sustain peace.

Canada also expects countries to ensure that inevitable changes of leadership be timely, democratic and peaceful. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Canada is concerned about the social, economic and political risks entailed if elections are not held as per the Congolese constitution. Canada encourages all actors to work together to overcome the political impasse through a national consensus that reflects the will of the Congolese people.

Regional organizations and the private sector have a critical role to play in addressing the region’s challenges. Organizations such as the African Union, the East African Community, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region are important partners, facilitating agreements such as the Peace Security and Cooperation Framework to resolve conflicts in the region. Socially responsible private sector investment, particularly in the extractive sector, can form the basis for inclusive growth that benefits all citizens and communities and promote sustainable peace.

It is also important to remember that women and girls are often agents of stability and resilience within their communities, as well as voices for moderation and peace.

Canada is committed to addressing the intertwined challenges facing the region. Through its development assistance, Canada supports inclusive and accountable governance, the empowerment of women and protection of their rights, and sustainable growth. Canada also champions the establishment and safeguarding of responsible mineral supply chains to prevent conflict and ensure that companies, countries and communities can benefit from development of the region’s mineral wealth.

Only by addressing these challenges can the countries of the region prevent and resolve conflict. Canada remains committed to working with our partners to advance peace and prosperity for the Great Lakes Region.

Thank you.