UN
United Nations Peacekeeping
9 Mar
2009
Press Review 1st April 2005
FDLR's decision to end its armed struggle and opt for political struggle is the main issue in today's local press.
« Rome: Fdlr lay down weapons», Le Phare writes on its front page, referring to it as a «crucial point in the Rwanda-DRC crisis». «Congolese people can now be satisfied that all the pretexts used by Rwanda to intervene in the DRC have been removed». «Fdlr stops its armed struggle: Kagamé is now cornered», Le Potentiel writes, indicating that as of now, «Kagamé must face up to his responsibilities» since in light of the Rome declaration «Fdlr no longer represents a danger to Rwandan security, a priority loudly proclaimed by Kagamé», the paper says. With regard to the new development, Le Potentiel says, «Rwandan President has a moral and political obligation to embark in the new process that would set the optimal conditions for the restoration of a genuine peace to the Great Lakes region in general, his own country in particular». The paper further says,« one of the top priorities to tackle by Rwandan Government would be to open up its political space to all the Rwandan political trends. Kagamé must therefore accept political pluralism».
La Référence Plus shares Le Potentiel's analysis and asserts, « Kagamé under obligation to talk with his rebels», but wonders what would be the reaction of the «Kigali's strong man' to the FDLR's offer, and indicates, « Paul Kagamé may continue ignoring the Interahamwe and the Fdlr due to their capacities for nuisance and resistance against his rule».
L'Observateur is of the same opinion and writes on its front page «President Kagamé is caught in a trap». For this paper, the statement signed by Fdlr in Rome « is a test of conscience to Kagamé». This paper further considers that « it would be incredible should the international community fail to get him to adhere to the peace process in Rwanda in particular, and the Great Lakes region in general».
On the same subject, La Tempête des Tropiques reveals, « the Congolese government contemplates the possibility of working out modalities for the repatriation of the Fdlr ». The paper says, « the Congolese Minister of Regional Cooperation, Mr. Mbusa Nyamwisi has announced an important meeting due on Saturday 2 April in Rome. The meeting will decide appropriate measures to accompany the return of the troops of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Rwanda to their home country».
With respect to the accompanying measures to support the operation, Le Potentiel informs, «MONUC has immediately selected the following six assembly points to receive the combatants willing to be repatriated to Rwanda: Hombo, Sake, Lubero, Walungu, Sange et Kanyabayonga ». The paper adds « the candidates willing to return to Rwanda will be taken up to the border, where Rwandan authorities would take them in charge within the framework of the national program for demobilisation and reintegration of Rwandan troops ».
Today's papers also echo the press conference held by Kisangani archbishop and head of the DRC Episcopal conference, Bishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya. Mosengo says: «No to a coup d'Etat », Le Phare writes, Bishop Monsengwo «has never advocated the thesis of a coup d'Etat ». In this development, L'Observateur quotes Bishop Monsengwo as declaring, « my position concerning the holding of the elections is known. My position like the National Episcopal conference's is clear. It remains unchanged and unambiguous», quoting Bishop Monsengwo. L'Avenir therefore concludes, « Bishop Monsengwo is victim of manipulation and misinformation».
In other news, Le Potentiel writes, «MONUC also has reckless drivers», describing the circumstances surrounding an accident caused by a South African soldier who, the paper reports, «had his Toyota Runner rolled over several times on a week-end of mid-March». Le Potentiel further says, « the young soldier was wearing shorts and a tee-shirt - sign of relaxation! Having lost control of the vehicle, he ejected himself out like a pilot», the «Congolese university students who were close to the scene of the accident» said.
La Référence Plus shares Le Potentiel's analysis and asserts, « Kagamé under obligation to talk with his rebels», but wonders what would be the reaction of the «Kigali's strong man' to the FDLR's offer, and indicates, « Paul Kagamé may continue ignoring the Interahamwe and the Fdlr due to their capacities for nuisance and resistance against his rule».
L'Observateur is of the same opinion and writes on its front page «President Kagamé is caught in a trap». For this paper, the statement signed by Fdlr in Rome « is a test of conscience to Kagamé». This paper further considers that « it would be incredible should the international community fail to get him to adhere to the peace process in Rwanda in particular, and the Great Lakes region in general».
On the same subject, La Tempête des Tropiques reveals, « the Congolese government contemplates the possibility of working out modalities for the repatriation of the Fdlr ». The paper says, « the Congolese Minister of Regional Cooperation, Mr. Mbusa Nyamwisi has announced an important meeting due on Saturday 2 April in Rome. The meeting will decide appropriate measures to accompany the return of the troops of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Rwanda to their home country».
With respect to the accompanying measures to support the operation, Le Potentiel informs, «MONUC has immediately selected the following six assembly points to receive the combatants willing to be repatriated to Rwanda: Hombo, Sake, Lubero, Walungu, Sange et Kanyabayonga ». The paper adds « the candidates willing to return to Rwanda will be taken up to the border, where Rwandan authorities would take them in charge within the framework of the national program for demobilisation and reintegration of Rwandan troops ».
Today's papers also echo the press conference held by Kisangani archbishop and head of the DRC Episcopal conference, Bishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya. Mosengo says: «No to a coup d'Etat », Le Phare writes, Bishop Monsengwo «has never advocated the thesis of a coup d'Etat ». In this development, L'Observateur quotes Bishop Monsengwo as declaring, « my position concerning the holding of the elections is known. My position like the National Episcopal conference's is clear. It remains unchanged and unambiguous», quoting Bishop Monsengwo. L'Avenir therefore concludes, « Bishop Monsengwo is victim of manipulation and misinformation».
In other news, Le Potentiel writes, «MONUC also has reckless drivers», describing the circumstances surrounding an accident caused by a South African soldier who, the paper reports, «had his Toyota Runner rolled over several times on a week-end of mid-March». Le Potentiel further says, « the young soldier was wearing shorts and a tee-shirt - sign of relaxation! Having lost control of the vehicle, he ejected himself out like a pilot», the «Congolese university students who were close to the scene of the accident» said.
