UN
United Nations Peacekeeping
9 Mar
2009
MONUC Press Review - Wednesday 9 March 2005
The local press in Kinshasa focuses on the announcement made yesterday by the Congolese army (FARDC) that 4,000 militiamen from an Ituri armed group (FAPC) were ready to disarm. The media comment also on how the International Woman's Day was celebrated yesterday in the Congolese capital.
« This is probably a turning point in Ituri », Le Phare says, indicating « about 4, 000 militiamen are laying down their weapons' referring to it as 'the first major successful operation » further highlighting that « no such major disarmament operation had happened since the chiefs of Ituri armed groups signed a 'Commitment Act' on 14 May 2004 despite their promotion to the highest ranks in the army». Very critical of MONUC robust reaction to the murder of its peacekeepers, Le Phare writes that « the disarmament of the 4,000 militiamen is due to increased pressures by the international community both on the Ituri militiamen and the Congolese government, which culminated with the MONUC robust reaction on 1st March».
Le Potentiel says, « Ituri is handing its weapons », echoing a statement by a member of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (CONADER) according to whom « this is a remarkable breakthrough that would incite others to follow suit without hesitating. »
In this regard, La Tempête des Tropiques titles: «Congolese women want elections as soon as possible». This was the main message of the Minister of Women Promotion during her speech in an official ceremony attended yesterday by the Vice-president in charge of social and cultural affairs.
« Congolese women want nothing else but justice, security and elections to be held as quickly as possible» declared Mrs. Faïda Mwangilwa.
La Référence Plus echoes Vice-President Z'Ahidi Arthur Ngoma's speech when declaring «for the DRC, 8 March marks the commemoration of the Congolese women martyrs and their fight for the liberation of the DRC and translates their determination to stop all predators who are opposed to the Congolese people's aspiration for democracy, justice, peace and development. »
Referring to the event, L'Avenir says, «Congolese women demand justice following the sexual atrocities committed; whilst Le Phare says, «Congolese women demand an equitable share of power in anticipation of the elections». In its editorial devoted to the women's struggle, La Tempête des Tropiques titles: « No fictitious parity. » It further highlights that « their ambition in respect of the power share is most legitimate for any humane society but they should proceed gradually». For the paper, it would wiser to first promote girls' education in DRC.
Bukavu archbishop expressed the same opinion when interviewed by Le Phare. He urged Congolese women to struggle for the promotion of young girls' education but said « Gender must be understood as a search for complementarities between man and woman but should not turn to a movement claiming equality only » because even Mother Nature shows that inequalities and differences are the source of life.
Le Potentiel says, « Ituri is handing its weapons », echoing a statement by a member of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (CONADER) according to whom « this is a remarkable breakthrough that would incite others to follow suit without hesitating. »
In this regard, La Tempête des Tropiques titles: «Congolese women want elections as soon as possible». This was the main message of the Minister of Women Promotion during her speech in an official ceremony attended yesterday by the Vice-president in charge of social and cultural affairs.
« Congolese women want nothing else but justice, security and elections to be held as quickly as possible» declared Mrs. Faïda Mwangilwa.
La Référence Plus echoes Vice-President Z'Ahidi Arthur Ngoma's speech when declaring «for the DRC, 8 March marks the commemoration of the Congolese women martyrs and their fight for the liberation of the DRC and translates their determination to stop all predators who are opposed to the Congolese people's aspiration for democracy, justice, peace and development. »
Referring to the event, L'Avenir says, «Congolese women demand justice following the sexual atrocities committed; whilst Le Phare says, «Congolese women demand an equitable share of power in anticipation of the elections». In its editorial devoted to the women's struggle, La Tempête des Tropiques titles: « No fictitious parity. » It further highlights that « their ambition in respect of the power share is most legitimate for any humane society but they should proceed gradually». For the paper, it would wiser to first promote girls' education in DRC.
Bukavu archbishop expressed the same opinion when interviewed by Le Phare. He urged Congolese women to struggle for the promotion of young girls' education but said « Gender must be understood as a search for complementarities between man and woman but should not turn to a movement claiming equality only » because even Mother Nature shows that inequalities and differences are the source of life.
