SC/13114-PKO/699
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Koro Bessho (Japan):
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack against the Company Operating Base of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) at Semuliki, North Kivu on 7 December 2017, which caused the death of 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers and injured at least 53 others, and in which five members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were also killed.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the victims, as well as to the Governments of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to MONUSCO. They wished the injured peacekeepers a speedy recovery.
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms all attacks and provocations against MONUSCO by armed groups. They underlined that deliberate attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. There can be no impunity for such acts. They called upon the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure that the perpetrators of such attacks are swiftly brought to justice. They reiterated their demands that all armed groups immediately cease all forms of violence.
The members of the Security Council paid tribute to the peacekeepers who risk their lives daily in the service of global peace and to protect civilians. This attack, the worst on United Nations peacekeepers in recent years, is a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by these brave women and men every day.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to MONUSCO to fully implement their mandate.