Congo-Kinshasa: Declaration of International Humanitarian, Human Rights, Development and Civic Education NGOs with a Field presence in Congo

7 May 2003
allAfrica.com
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Kinshasa — International non-governmental organizations working in Congo have been closely following the recent progress made in the DRC on the road to peace and democracy. We consider the successful end of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue and the imminent installation of the transitional government as important steps on the way to re-establishing rule of law in DRC. We congratulate the Congolese who have contributed to these accomplishments as well as the international organizations, the United Nations, and the countries that have put pressure on the belligerents to come to the negotiating table to find solutions and sign agreements. We should also underscore the positive role played by the United Nations Organization Mission in Congo (MONUC) despite limits in its mandate and number of troops.

Diplomacy has shown itself a viable mechanism for reaching the end of the war in DRC, but the peace remains fragile. It appears critical at this time, when a durable solution to the Congolese crisis is within grasp, to double all efforts to put a definitive end to the war.

We are concerned about reports coming from the east of the country these past weeks regarding significant troop movements. There is widespread fear of new combat or major offensives. The situation in Ituri remains extremely worrisome despite the agreements brokered by the Ituri Pacification Commission (IPC). UN Secretary-General Koffi Annan himself states, "I am notably concerned that neighboring states continue to be generally suspected of political and military involvement in the east of the country. Security conditions in the field have prevented MONUC from verifying the increasing reports of the presence of foreign troops." (13th Report of the Secretary-General on MONUC; UN Security Council, February 21, 2003, paragraph 55, p. 17).

Several investigations have show that the war in DRC, despite its uncountable horrors, has benefited some individuals. At this time when reaching an end to the Congolese crisis is feasible, it is important to understand that those who have profited from the absence of state authority and the lack of respect for basic human rights are doing everything possible to block the peace process and the installation of a transitional government.

We would like to take advantage of this historic chance to end the war by asking the United Nations and influential governments to intensify their support for the peace process. It is important and urgent to act now so that Congolese can continue on the road to peace. Specifically:

· We call for the reinforcement of the United Nations Organization Mission in Congo (MONUC) to verify the effective withdrawal of foreign troops and the end of all foreign support to armed groups and Congolese rebellions.

· We call for the establishment of a national police unit in Ituri made up of non-Iturians and Iturians (representing all ethnic groups) trained by MONUC. This police force should conduct patrols in collaboration with MONUC. The latter's mandate should be reinforced locally to not only observe the cease-fire, but also to protect civilians.

We also call upon all parties to the Inter-Congolese Dialogue who adopted the Sun City resolutions and signed the Pretoria agreement to:

· apply these accords to bring rapid relief to the long-suffering civilian populations.

· allow people and commercial goods to move freely about the country in order to promote reconciliation, economic stimulus, and development initiatives.

The work of international NGOs is to contribute to the reconstruction of the country. The end of hostilities, the return to peace and security, the end of impunity, and reconciliation between communities and countries are indispensable prerequisites for efforts towards sustainable development. Resorting to violence, and violations of international law have been all too frequent in the region over the past 10 years, during which each of the three countries that make up the Great Lakes Region of Africa has known the bloodiest and most catastrophic period of its history. It is time for this to come to an end.

Kinshasa, April 30th 2003

Signed by:

Alternatives, Avocats Sans Frontières/Belgique, CARE International, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Christian Aid, Concern, CORDAID, COSI, Développement et Paix/Development and Peace, Diakonia, GRET, International Human Rights Law Group, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Oxfam-Québec, Save the Children (UK)

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