MONUC Responds to NGO Concerns over FDLR Reprisals

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Kinshasa 17 July 2009 - MONUC shares the concerns of humanitarian organizations that civilians are bearing the brunt of FDLR reprisals for current efforts to dismantle rebel forces in eastern Congo (DRC). However, a suggested suspension of current joint operations that are aimed at neutralizing the FDLR, would give the rebels greater opportunity to resupply, regroup and prolong the rape, forced labor, looting and torture of civilians that have been their trademark for many years.

The UN Security Council endorsed the joint DRC-Rwanda agreement to put military pressure on the FDLR and has mandated MONUC to support DRC forces in this effort. Responding to the latest Report of the Secretary-General on the DRC and MONUC last week, Council members expressed grave concern over the renewed activity of illegal armed groups and condemned the targeted attacks against civilians by the FDLR and LRA in particular. They reaffirmed their support for MONUC’s present course and its actions to protect civilians.

In his report, the Secretary-General cites escalating levels of violence inflicted by the FDLR and LRA on civilians in eastern Congo. He also notes breaches of discipline and control in some units of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC), which now include thousands of recently-integrated former militia members. Taking note of his concerns about the conduct of some Government forces, Council members encouraged MONUC, in collaboration with Congolese authorities, to continue monitoring the performance and conduct of FARDC units involved in joint operations against armed groups.

The Council stressed that fighting impunity is an integral part of a much-needed comprehensive reform of the DRC security sector. They welcomed recent steps by Congolese authorities to address impunity, including the 5 July announcement of a “zero-tolerance policy” against criminal acts and misconduct, and encouraged “further affirmative steps in this regard”. They also repeated their call for the establishment of an effective vetting mechanism within the national security forces and undertook to continue monitoring progress in this regard.