Thank you, Mr. Chairman. President Nyusi, we are honored that you have joined us today, and thank you for your presentation. Mr. President, congratulations on Mozambique’s successful presidency of the UN Security Council this month.
I also would like to thank Personal Envoy Manzoni for being with us today. The United States appreciates both of your efforts in facilitating dialogue between the Government of Mozambique and RENAMO.
Mr. President, we are grateful that you have shared with us today many of the best practices and lessons learned from the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation. Your presentation serves as an important reminder of the inherent complexity that national reconciliation processes comprise.
Just yesterday, the Security Council heard from SRSG Keita about the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. Mozambique’s expertise resolving internal and regional conflict is an important lesson for all of us as we consider how to foster peace in the Great Lakes Region.
As demonstrated by the negotiation and implementation of the Maputo Accord, peacebuilding requires discretion to allow space for honest dialogue and inclusivity to ensure stakeholders stay informed. The inclusion of women and youth in the process is critical to the establishment of a sustainable peace.
Today’s meeting also reinforces the need for this Commission to continue to serve as a platform to facilitate these types of dialogues that include a wide range of relevant stakeholders, including international financial institutions and civil society.
The United States is committed to partnering with Mozambique to stabilize areas impacted by conflict, and build longer-term resilience and peace. Recent gains by security forces create space to foster recovery, reconciliation, and resilience.
As part of our commitment, we have officially launched the next phase of our partnership with key partner countries – including Mozambique – through the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability.
This new, whole-of-government approach will help marshal new resources and engagement in partner nations to prevent violent conflict and build lasting peace over the next decade, in Mozambique, Coastal West Africa, Libya, Haiti, and Papua New Guinea.
As part of our Strategy in Mozambique, the United States has made material contributions to the DDR process by funding reintegration kits, as well as supporting interfaith peace clubs operating in northern Mozambique.
Through a spirit of partnership, these plans aim to address the drivers of instability and conflict with a long-term view to work together to helping to build resilience and forge a more peaceful future.
Mr. President, we look forward to working with you and your government on this important endeavor.
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