UN
United Nations Peacekeeping
3 Mar
2009
MONUC hails UN Security Council's measures on sanctions in DRC against individuals and entities
The delegation of the UN Security Council visiting the Great Lakes region of Africa since last Friday arrived yesterday in Entebbe, Uganda where they were due to meet with President Yoweri Museveni. In a press conference held last Thursday at the UN headquarters in New York, the head of the delegation, Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sablière stated: 'in Uganda, we will raise the humanitarian crisis affecting the northern part of that country and will explore the possibility of stopping the crisis.'
Monday, the members of the UN Security Council mission held talks with the Congolese president Joseph Kabila, in Kinshasa, before travelling to Mbuji-Mayi and Kamina. The meeting with the Congolese head of state Joseph Kabila was described as 'fruitful' by Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sablière who further indicated, 'all the stakeholders expressed their readiness for the elections.' With respect to the transition per se, the Head of the UN Security Council delegation highlighted that 'considerable' challenges remain to be tackled, notably:
' To speed up the electoral process so as to end the transition on June 2006. To this end, 'the referendum must take place as scheduled, on 18 December and the electoral law promulgated immediately after the adoption of the constitution by the Congolese people.'
' Army integration 'since an efficient army is needed to secure the elections and disarm the armed groups,' indicated Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sablière. 'A particular effort must be made for the integrated brigades to work effectively. They must be well equipped and their wages must be paid regularly. The second wave of integration must be launched to form new brigades. Moreover, the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process for the combatants willing to return to civilian life must proceed ahead. Finally, the formation of the Congolese national police force must as well proceed,' Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sablière indicated.
' The restoration of State authority that requires 'effort in the area of good governance.' This means, 'a particular effort must be made for the regular pay of troops' wages. Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sablière further said, the same should apply to civil servants who are also entitled to regular pay.'
On the list of individuals and entities targeted by the sanctions
MONUC hails the publication, on 1st November, by the Security Council committee on Sanctions in DRC, of the list of individuals and entities against whom the following sanctions were decided: a ban on trip and a freeze of financial assets, referred to in paragraphs 13 and 15 of the resolution 1596 of the Security Council, adopted on 18 April 2005, worded as follows:
'The Security Council'
13. Decides that, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories of all persons designated by the Committee as acting in violation of the measures taken by Member States in accordance with paragraph 1 above, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall oblige a State to refuse entry into its territory to its own nationals;
'
15. Decides that all States shall, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, immediately freeze the funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories from the date of adoption of this resolution, which are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by persons designated by the Committee pursuant to paragraph 13 above, or that are held by entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any persons acting on their behalf or at their direction, as designated by the Committee, and decides further that all States shall ensure that no funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available by their nationals or by any persons within their territories, to or for the benefit of such persons or entities;'
Among those targeted by the banning on trip and freeze of assets:
- Most of the leaders of the former militia groups of Ituri, with the exception of Bosco Tanganda, the above people are already in detention
- Two dismissed former officers of the Congolese Army ' Jules Mutebutsi and Laurent Nkunda
- Two FDLR leaders
- a Congolese NGO based in Goma - All for Peace and Development
Update on MONUC military activities
Deployment of troops to Aba
Deployment of MONUC troops to ABA has been completed ' 144 Nepalese soldiers of the Ituri Brigade are operating in the region where rumours suggesting the presence of Uganda-based Lord's Resistance Army rebels are still unconfirmed. Two companies and a team of military observers form the tactical grouping.
Upon arrival, on 2 November, advanced elements conducted reconnaissance and research missions in the territory surrounding IMA and MISSA, respectively at 9 and 27 km North West of ABA and along the Sudanese border, in the localities of MAMURU and BANGA.
The missions are jointly conducted with the Congolese troops of General Ndima, deployed on the ground since the beginning of October. They made some contacts with elements of the Ugandan army and SPLA, Sudanese non-governmental troops. There is no evidence thus far of any presence of the LRA rebels.
Ituri
Since 17 October, 784 militiamen have surrendered their weapons and been officially registered by MONUC troops. The FARDC continue to progress and gain ground, with the support of MONUC troops, in particular in the territory of Djugu. Since 31 October, the Pakistani battalion of the Ituri brigade has been conducting patrols day and night in the sector of Mongbwalu-Nizi-Banbu and Kilo (between 25 and 30 km northwest of Bunia). These patrols, composed of about 30 blue helmets, contribute to maintain the security of the local population, thanks to their rapid reaction capacity. They also maintain pressure on militiamen roaming in the area, so that they join others who have chosen to follow the path of reconciliation.
North Kivu Brigade
The operation Virunga Clearance is coming to an end, at least where military activities are concerned. The five most important militia camps were destroyed and several Congolese and foreign combatants were apprehended and handed over to DDR officers.
Indian soldiers of the North Kivu brigade arrested 359 Mayi Mayi combatants and seized 167 arms. 181 of these combatants will soon join the integration centre in Nyaleke for their integration into the Congolese army. 15 Rwandan Hutu combatants were handed over to DDRRR for repatriation to Rwanda. 14 others were killed by Congolese troops during the operation.
Virunga Clearance achieved the expected objectives, and should help in dismantling the command system of the FDLR and, therefore, undermining the grip of FDLR leaders on the rank and file.
We recall, once again, that all Rwandan Hutu combatants and their families present on the Congolese territory must leave this country, and that each of one of them is entitled to repatriation. In this regard, a MONUC team went to Mutobo (the reception camp run by the reintegration commission in Rihengeri, Rwanda) last week, to attend the closing ceremony of a session for 116 ex-combatants who had returned to their home country. MONUC was able to meet with them and collect their impressions. All were able to testify freely, and none of them regrets having returned home. On the contrary, they confirmed that the main obstacle to a massive return of their comrades remaining in the DRC is pressure and intimidation exerted by their chiefs. Apart from these threats, they claimed to have been victims of disinformation campaigns about the situation in Rwanda.
These ex-combatants, most of them young, insisted that the majority of the FDLR have nothing to fear from tribunals, unlike their chiefs who use them as 'human shields'.
Leaving the FDLR camps requires courage and involves risks. However, these stories prove that repatriation is possible and that the choice is worth making.
South Kivu Brigade
Ongoing human rights violations against the civilian population in some areas of South Kivu have led to intensification of joint, planning activities for military operations, in order to protect the civilian population and speed up the voluntary repatriation of FDLR combatants. These are necessarily complementary aspects. On 2 and 3 November, the commander of MONUC's Eastern Division, General Cammaert, was in Bukavu holding meetings with the commander of the FARDC 10th Military Region, General Agolowa, and with the commander of MONUC South Kivu Brigade, General Shujaat. The meetings focused on the different forms of support MONUC could provide to the FARDC in future joint operations. Largely debated were questions related to the availability of FARDC troops, operational capabilities, logistic and air support. Other meetings are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, with MONUC Force Commander General Gaye who arrived in Bukavu this Wednesday.
Also in South Kivu, 52 Mayi Mayi combatants yesterday surrendered to blue helmets of the South Kivu brigade in Kamanyola. They said they were exasperated by the attitude of their chiefs and prefered to join the DDR process.
Katanga
Preparations for the deployment of troops in Katanga are ongoing, as elections approach. Indeed, to ensure the security of the whole process, a platoon of 30 personnel was deployed on 7 November in Kolwezi. Another will be deployed soon in Lubumbashi for the same reasons. A company of 150 soldiers will be deployed to ensure the security and support for the process in Kamina. A Beninese reconnaissance team is already present in Congo. The team is working at the Division's headquarters in Kisangani. The deployment of the Beninese battalion is planned for January 2006. There will be four companies which could be deployed in Kalemie and Manono.
MONUC joins the media community in condemning the barbaric murder committed against the journalist of La Référence Plus, Franck 'Ngyke' Kangundu, and his wife. MONUC extends its deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends and colleagues of this journalist and of his wife. We have a copy of the letter that the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General sent to the Director of publication of La Référence Plus.
' To speed up the electoral process so as to end the transition on June 2006. To this end, 'the referendum must take place as scheduled, on 18 December and the electoral law promulgated immediately after the adoption of the constitution by the Congolese people.'
' Army integration 'since an efficient army is needed to secure the elections and disarm the armed groups,' indicated Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sablière. 'A particular effort must be made for the integrated brigades to work effectively. They must be well equipped and their wages must be paid regularly. The second wave of integration must be launched to form new brigades. Moreover, the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process for the combatants willing to return to civilian life must proceed ahead. Finally, the formation of the Congolese national police force must as well proceed,' Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sablière indicated.
' The restoration of State authority that requires 'effort in the area of good governance.' This means, 'a particular effort must be made for the regular pay of troops' wages. Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sablière further said, the same should apply to civil servants who are also entitled to regular pay.'
On the list of individuals and entities targeted by the sanctions
MONUC hails the publication, on 1st November, by the Security Council committee on Sanctions in DRC, of the list of individuals and entities against whom the following sanctions were decided: a ban on trip and a freeze of financial assets, referred to in paragraphs 13 and 15 of the resolution 1596 of the Security Council, adopted on 18 April 2005, worded as follows:
'The Security Council'
13. Decides that, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories of all persons designated by the Committee as acting in violation of the measures taken by Member States in accordance with paragraph 1 above, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall oblige a State to refuse entry into its territory to its own nationals;
'
15. Decides that all States shall, during the period of enforcement of the measures referred to in paragraph 1 above, immediately freeze the funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories from the date of adoption of this resolution, which are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by persons designated by the Committee pursuant to paragraph 13 above, or that are held by entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any persons acting on their behalf or at their direction, as designated by the Committee, and decides further that all States shall ensure that no funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available by their nationals or by any persons within their territories, to or for the benefit of such persons or entities;'
Among those targeted by the banning on trip and freeze of assets:
- Most of the leaders of the former militia groups of Ituri, with the exception of Bosco Tanganda, the above people are already in detention
- Two dismissed former officers of the Congolese Army ' Jules Mutebutsi and Laurent Nkunda
- Two FDLR leaders
- a Congolese NGO based in Goma - All for Peace and Development
Update on MONUC military activities
Deployment of troops to Aba
Deployment of MONUC troops to ABA has been completed ' 144 Nepalese soldiers of the Ituri Brigade are operating in the region where rumours suggesting the presence of Uganda-based Lord's Resistance Army rebels are still unconfirmed. Two companies and a team of military observers form the tactical grouping.
Upon arrival, on 2 November, advanced elements conducted reconnaissance and research missions in the territory surrounding IMA and MISSA, respectively at 9 and 27 km North West of ABA and along the Sudanese border, in the localities of MAMURU and BANGA.
The missions are jointly conducted with the Congolese troops of General Ndima, deployed on the ground since the beginning of October. They made some contacts with elements of the Ugandan army and SPLA, Sudanese non-governmental troops. There is no evidence thus far of any presence of the LRA rebels.
Ituri
Since 17 October, 784 militiamen have surrendered their weapons and been officially registered by MONUC troops. The FARDC continue to progress and gain ground, with the support of MONUC troops, in particular in the territory of Djugu. Since 31 October, the Pakistani battalion of the Ituri brigade has been conducting patrols day and night in the sector of Mongbwalu-Nizi-Banbu and Kilo (between 25 and 30 km northwest of Bunia). These patrols, composed of about 30 blue helmets, contribute to maintain the security of the local population, thanks to their rapid reaction capacity. They also maintain pressure on militiamen roaming in the area, so that they join others who have chosen to follow the path of reconciliation.
North Kivu Brigade
The operation Virunga Clearance is coming to an end, at least where military activities are concerned. The five most important militia camps were destroyed and several Congolese and foreign combatants were apprehended and handed over to DDR officers.
Indian soldiers of the North Kivu brigade arrested 359 Mayi Mayi combatants and seized 167 arms. 181 of these combatants will soon join the integration centre in Nyaleke for their integration into the Congolese army. 15 Rwandan Hutu combatants were handed over to DDRRR for repatriation to Rwanda. 14 others were killed by Congolese troops during the operation.
Virunga Clearance achieved the expected objectives, and should help in dismantling the command system of the FDLR and, therefore, undermining the grip of FDLR leaders on the rank and file.
We recall, once again, that all Rwandan Hutu combatants and their families present on the Congolese territory must leave this country, and that each of one of them is entitled to repatriation. In this regard, a MONUC team went to Mutobo (the reception camp run by the reintegration commission in Rihengeri, Rwanda) last week, to attend the closing ceremony of a session for 116 ex-combatants who had returned to their home country. MONUC was able to meet with them and collect their impressions. All were able to testify freely, and none of them regrets having returned home. On the contrary, they confirmed that the main obstacle to a massive return of their comrades remaining in the DRC is pressure and intimidation exerted by their chiefs. Apart from these threats, they claimed to have been victims of disinformation campaigns about the situation in Rwanda.
These ex-combatants, most of them young, insisted that the majority of the FDLR have nothing to fear from tribunals, unlike their chiefs who use them as 'human shields'.
Leaving the FDLR camps requires courage and involves risks. However, these stories prove that repatriation is possible and that the choice is worth making.
South Kivu Brigade
Ongoing human rights violations against the civilian population in some areas of South Kivu have led to intensification of joint, planning activities for military operations, in order to protect the civilian population and speed up the voluntary repatriation of FDLR combatants. These are necessarily complementary aspects. On 2 and 3 November, the commander of MONUC's Eastern Division, General Cammaert, was in Bukavu holding meetings with the commander of the FARDC 10th Military Region, General Agolowa, and with the commander of MONUC South Kivu Brigade, General Shujaat. The meetings focused on the different forms of support MONUC could provide to the FARDC in future joint operations. Largely debated were questions related to the availability of FARDC troops, operational capabilities, logistic and air support. Other meetings are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, with MONUC Force Commander General Gaye who arrived in Bukavu this Wednesday.
Also in South Kivu, 52 Mayi Mayi combatants yesterday surrendered to blue helmets of the South Kivu brigade in Kamanyola. They said they were exasperated by the attitude of their chiefs and prefered to join the DDR process.
Katanga
Preparations for the deployment of troops in Katanga are ongoing, as elections approach. Indeed, to ensure the security of the whole process, a platoon of 30 personnel was deployed on 7 November in Kolwezi. Another will be deployed soon in Lubumbashi for the same reasons. A company of 150 soldiers will be deployed to ensure the security and support for the process in Kamina. A Beninese reconnaissance team is already present in Congo. The team is working at the Division's headquarters in Kisangani. The deployment of the Beninese battalion is planned for January 2006. There will be four companies which could be deployed in Kalemie and Manono.
MONUC joins the media community in condemning the barbaric murder committed against the journalist of La Référence Plus, Franck 'Ngyke' Kangundu, and his wife. MONUC extends its deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends and colleagues of this journalist and of his wife. We have a copy of the letter that the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General sent to the Director of publication of La Référence Plus.
