I. Relevant Security Council resolutions
Since the adoption of resolution 1807 (2008), the arms embargo applies only to all non-governmental entities (i.e., armed groups) and individuals operating in the territory of the DRC. Additionally, since the adoption of resolution 2667 (2022), Member States are no longer required to notify the Committee of any shipment of arms and related materiel for the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or any provision of assistance, advice or training related to military activities in the country.
Current exemptions from the arms embargo are guided by paragraph 3 of resolution 2293 (2016).
II. What type of arms embargo exemptions are currently in force?
As of today, the following is exempted from the arms embargo, in accordance with paragraph 3 of resolution 2293 (2016):
- Supplies of arms and related materiel, as well as assistance, advice or training, intended solely for the support of or use by MONUSCO … .
- Supplies of protective clothing, including flak jackets and military helmets, temporarily exported to the DRC by United Nations personnel, representatives of the media and humanitarian and development workers and associated personnel, for their personal use only.
- Other supplies of non-lethal military equipment intended solely for humanitarian or protective use, and related technical assistance or training.
None of the above-mentioned supplies require a notification to the 1533 Committee.
In addition, the following are subject to possible exemption, in accordance with paragraph 3 of resolution 2293 (2016):
- Other sales and or supply of arms and related materiel, or provision of assistance or personnel to non-governmental entities or individuals operating in the territory of the DRC, as approved in advance by the Committee.
III. How to make the request for exemptions from the arms embargo?
Please address the request for exemptions from the arms embargo to:
The Chair of the Committee, His Excellency Mr. Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone) through the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the United Nations
With copy to:
The Senior Committee Secretary of the Committee, Mr. David Biggs (sc-1533-committee@un.org)
IV. Decision-making of the Committee
The Chair of the Committee will inform in writing of the decision of the Committee regarding its consideration of exemption requests.