Kinshasa 28 August 2009 - After several months of sensitisation campaigns and uncertainty, the registration and integration process of the armed groups active in South Kivu province has started.

Between 21 and 26 August 2009, 415 elements of Yakatumba group and 34 others belonging to the Forces Républicaines Fédéralistes (FRF) have joined the registration process which will pave the way for their right to a career orientation programme and government support subsidy.

Of the 449 elements registered, 407 have been integrated into FARDC, 31 are civilians, 10 are under aged minors and 1 was demobilised.

"It is a positive and encouraging development," declared the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for DRC, Alan Doss. "We have been expecting these groups to join the process and contribute to the stabilisation and development of the region for so long" he said.

MONUC team comprised of South African troops and representatives of Child Protection section are on the ground alongside FARDC to ensure that operations are successful.