By Noah Fishman

Representative My Ha of Belgium joined the United Nations Historical Security Council of 1961 (HSC 1961) on the morning of 24 November 2024, to discuss the civil conflict in the Republic of the Congo. Representatives had differing opinions with how to first address this in formal debate.

HSC 1961 voted to bring the delegation of Belgium in as a party to the dispute for 10 minutes, with full debate privileges. Later, an additional motion was made to bring the Holy See into the session for ten minutes with full debate privileges as well. The President closed debate and held a vote to allow the Holy See to join, which failed. 

Following this vote, a motion was made calling the Republic of the Congo in as a Party to the dispute. Representative Zac Webster of Chile spoke out against this motion in favor of bringing in factional leaders. 

“I don’t know who’s in charge of the country,” said Representative Webster.

The United States agreed, and France recommended speaking to Asho Aden, the Congolese Representative who currently sits in the UN and represents the now-suspended President of the Republic of the Congo.

The United Arab Republic (UAR) voiced the need to bring in further parties to the dispute as efficiently as possible, which Ecuador echoed.

The Council held a placard vote early in the morning to bring in the Republic of the Congo with full privileges for ten minutes. Despite motions for the Republic of the Congo and Belgium to join the formal session, the disputing parties did not appear at the same time. At 9:47 am Representative Ha joined the debate, giving a brief opening statement.

“Our actions were guided by a desire to maintain order… and prevent further bloodshed,” said Representative Ha. “Our efforts have been misunderstood but we remain rooted to global prosperity. It is important to maintain political stability, and Katanga should be independent.”

When asked if an independent Katanga would be enough for Belgium to fully exit the Congo by Representative Webster, Representative Ha explained the complex nature of their involvement.

“We left a significant administration, education and economy in the Congo. It’s about the Congo as a whole, not just Katanga,” said Representative Ha. “It’s not about dominance, it’s about our guidance.”