United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Joseph Tshimanga
2 May 2008
The security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is relatively stable but fragile, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC, Alan Doss, warned on 30 April 2008 during MONUC's weekly press conference.
In addition, he rebutted allegations about MONUC's Blue Helmets being involved in arms traffic.
Alan Doss underlined the Security Council's satisfaction with the progress in the DRC as well as the UN's concerns on account of continued violence in the East of the country, mostly sexual violence.
"The Council insisted on the necessity of increasing efforts toward the reintegration, the demobilization of elements of armed groups and the repatriation of foreign troops" he reminded.
According to the Council, it is necessary to continue applying the provisions of the stabilization plan for the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as merging the State's security forces.
The Council reiterated its support for the holding of local elections and wished for them to be held as quickly as possible.
During his mission at the UN Headquarters, Mr. Doss presented the Security Council members with the general situation of the DRC and the evolution of MONUC's mandate. Later on, he presided over the meeting with the security representatives of the Nairobi Communiqué in November 2007.
The meeting of the monitoring Group for the application of the Nairobi Communiqué reviewed the progress made on the ground, the difficulties encountered and the work still to be done. The Group noted with satisfaction the results registered by the DRC in conducting the sensitization campaign in North and South Kivu aimed at encouraging the ex-FAR/Interhamwe to voluntary disarmament and repatriation.
The DRC made it known that a site has already been identified in the province of Katanga for the relocation of ex-FAR/Interhamwe who still refuse to return to Rwanda after disarmament.
The DRC government will seek to identify those people who are accused by the International Court for Rwanda and the Rwandan courts but find refuge in Congo.
Rwanda saluted the progress made by the Congolese government regarding the establishment of a strategy in the framework of the disarmament and repatriation of ex-FAR/Interhamwe; at the same time, it admits that there is still much to do about the application of the Nairobi Communiqué.
The DRC and Rwanda reminded the partners taking part in that meeting, especially the United States and the European Union, to take coercive measures against the political leaders of ex-FAR/Interhamwe who live in the United States and in member countries of the European Union, and to do whatever is necessary for the success of the Security Council's Resolution 1804 about the return of ex-FAR/Interhamwe to Rwanda.
Efforts by MONUC
Mr. Doss also reminded the press of the measures that MONUC, in coordination with the FARDC, has taken to reinforce its presence in community areas. Measures for the restoration of security in the East of the country, where he visited Bukavu and Goma in a row, just after returning from New York. In the capital city of North Kivu, the Special Representative rightly appreciated the implementation of the Amani Program as well as the Nairobi Communiqué.
The Special Representative also recalled that MONUC could bring its support in view of the execution by the Congolese government of a warrant against the fourth chief militiaman, accused of enrolling children in Ituri.
"The International Criminal Court issued its arrest warrant, now it is up to the Congolese government to execute it. We are here to support their efforts. MONUC may bring its support if the Congolese authorities request it" Alan Doss declared.
The warrant for the arrest of Bosco Ntaganda (35) was issued on 22 August 2006 and forwarded to Kinshasa.
Arms traffic allegations
Once more, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC responded to allegations in the press about MONUC's Blue Helmets trading weapons for gold. He underlined that independent investigations have been carried out by special services of the United Nations.
In that same line, he rebutted statements made by authorities in Kampala who accuse Blue Helmets of providing weapons to Ugandan rebels.
"We have no evidence of that transaction" Alan Doss simply declared.
On Tuesday, Uganda's Defense minister Crispus Kiyonga accused members of MONUC of arming an Ugandan rebel group who has long remained inactive but who is preparing to build up in the DRC.
"There is no arms traffic. These are allegations that are yet to be verified" the head of MONUC added, insisting on the need for investigations.
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