MONUC condemns the ceasefire violations by the CNDP and acts of looting by the FARDC

Kinshasa 25 November 2008: Under the cover "of pacification and police operations," the CNDP launched new military operations on the Kiwanja-Ishasa axis, worsening the humanitarian and security situation in North Kivu. These operations are recognised by the CNDP itself, in an official statement which it diffused today.

Clashes occurred today around Kinyando and Nkwenda east of Kiwanja between the CNDP and Mai Mai. These engagements sowed panic within the civil populations which were pushed out onto the roads in search of security, retreating towards Nyamilima or the Ugandan border.

MONUC condemns without reserve the actions initiated by the CNDP and urges to him to conform, without condition, to the ceasefire and not worsen the suffering of the local population.

The village of Bulotwa, in Lubero territory north of Goma was the theatre of looting orchestrated by members of certain units of the FARDC, which MONUC condemns. It awaits the qualified military authorities to bring to justice all the culprits of these acts, in accordance with promises made.

The implementation and the respect of the ceasefire, as well as other conditions to support progress in the search for a durable peace in DRC, are expressly contained in the conclusions of recent Nairobi Summit and that of the SADC in Johannesburg.

MONUC invites the parties urgently to strictly respect the ceasefire while retreating to their positions of 29 October 2008, and to also respect the zones of separation. MONUC continues to patrol the zones of separation but the maintenance of these zones demands the good will and the cooperation of all.