MONUC/PIO/PR 09/2006
"Kinshasa, 9 March 2006". In recent days, MONUC has noted several erroneous statements in the international press in reference to the mutiny that occurred on 1 March in Aveba, Ituri. These reports suggest that the (400 or so) U.N troops present on the ground during this incident engaged with the mutineers. In fact, no shots were fired between the mutineers and the U.N. peacekeepers, nor did U.N helicopters at any time fire rockets at the mutineers. The stand-off ended without incident, allowing for the national Congolese army, known by its French acronym FARDC, to proceed with disarming and demobilizing those elements behind the mutiny.

According to some media, rebellious troops pointed guns in peacekeepers' faces and U.N. helicopters fired rockets at the mutineers, highlighted the obstacles facing the 17,000-strong U.N. force, known by its French acronym MONUC."

The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo strongly asserts that the indiscipline of certain Congolese commandos shown on 1 March is unacceptable. However, MONUC notes that this mutiny was an isolated incident perpetrated by a small group of soldiers who will now face Congolese military justice as per international norms. When appropriately trained, equipped, fed, paid and led, the FARDC has and will continue to be an effective partner in joint military operations throughout the country. To this end, MONUC calls on all actors to continue its logistical support for the FARDC, to help enable it to achieve its key task: protecting the citizens, the institutions and the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Contacts:
Kemal SAIKI, Director, Public Information, Spokesman – saiki@un.org – tel : +243 818 90 7506
Jean-Tobie OKALA, Deputy Spokesman – okalay@un.org – tel : +243 818 90 77 06
Lt-colonel Frédéric MEDARD, Military Spokesman – monuc-hq-chiefmilitairypublicinformation@un.org – tel : 243 818 907 860