United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Joseph Tshimanga
16 January 2008
Alan Doss, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC arrived in Goma on Tuesday 15 January 2008, to support the Kivu's conference on peace, security and development. He gave an address to the conference participants, before individually meeting many important conference delegates.
Firstly, Mr. Doss forwarded the best wishes and encouragement of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, before demanding of the participants to discuss all problems with frankness and serenity, in order to seek real and durable solutions.
"The dialogue can sweep the fears, anxiety and suspicions which, for various reasons, persist between Congolese and which delay the best development of the immense potential of your provinces," he underlined.
Lately, participants listened to the speeches of various communities and personalities, as well as armed groups. Some of these speeches were hard and controversial, but "it is necessary to say the truth, without falling into the trap of populism and interethnic hatred," Mr. Doss advised.
For Mr. Doss, with the provincial workshops and sets of themes, the phase of a common search for solutions starts, but "we hope nevertheless that this phase leads quickly onto concrete decisions and palpable successes, in particular the stabilization of security in certain zones."
Multiple challenges
Mr. Doss pointed out that North Kivu province alone shelters more displaced persons than the rest of the country combined. All these victims of the war impatiently await the results of the conference, which will enable them to return to their homes, fields and pastures.
Speaking about war victims, Mr. Doss wished to mention two groups - women and children - which were particularly affected by the war. The women, he said, have been the victims of sexual violence in huge numbers, while many children have been recruited as child soldiers.
On this subject, he launched a call to all armed groups, but also to FARDC commanders, so that they are committed to making all possible efforts to discipline their soldiers and combatants in order to fight this plague of sexual violence.
He made a double call to the same armed groups so that they are committed to "releasing without delay all child soldiers in their ranks."
It is clear, said Mr. Doss, that the challenges facing the participants - of a political, social, military and economic nature - are multiple.
"Some hope for immediate objectives and results, and others for results which will be felt in the medium and long term."
With regard to short-term objectives, he estimated it would be eminently desirable that the conference arrives quickly at a stabilization of the military and security situation in North Kivu, and that it provides the foundations for a fast integration, without preconditions, of all Congolese irregular groups into the army, or for the demobilization of soldiers and combatants who wish it.
In this respect, Mr. Doss said that MONUC was ready to provide them all possible assistance on a logistic and military level within the framework of its mandate.
"We are willing to help all the parties to the conflict to disengage and to disarm," he promised.
The conference must succeed
In the same way, continued the Special Representative, it is of paramount importance that the conference commissions entrusted with issues of peace and security can get established and equipped with the necessary means - in the shortest possible time - to achieve their tasks.
"It goes without saying that peace and security are essential conditions for any rebuilding, and for all development. The international community, which is represented here with force, follows your work with interest, and is ready to support you with a significant effort as regards rehabilitation assistance," said Mr. Doss.
Mr. Doss announced that the United Nations planned to start discussions soon with the DRC government at central and provincial levels, on the components of a possible stabilisation plan for the country.
This is why, he concluded, this conference must succeed.
"The United Nations and the international community are at your side and support you."
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