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DR Congo: New Report Warns of Breakdown of Peace Process Print E-mail
Written by CISA   
Monday, 09 July 2007
A new independent report has confirmed warnings by a Catholic archbishop in eastern Congo that the country is in danger of sliding back into war

The latest report by the International Crisis Group says an unimpressive first half-year of Congo's elected government has left the peace process in danger, especially in the volatile east, and democracy fragile.

Six months after President Joseph Kabila's new government came to power, governing institutions remain weak, abusive or non-existent, and the national army is still the country's worst human rights abuser, while another crisis is looming in the East, the report says.

After militias massacred 18 people and maimed over 40 others in Kaniola in South Kivu on May 26, Archbishop Francois-Xavier Maroy of Bukavu spoke of "the threat of a new war" and called for swift action by the government and the international community.

He questioned "the silence of the institutions of the republic, of the head of state, the parliament, the central government and the military" over violence in the region.

The Red Cross this week launched an aid operation for some 15, 000 people in Kaniola, saying an upsurge of violence in South Kivu had forced thousands of families to flee their villages.

"The ICRC is particularly concerned about abuses committed by armed persons against the civilian population, usually women and children," said Patrick Walder, head of the organization's sub-delegation in Bukavu. "A large number of families have had to flee their homes."

"Despite Kabila's strong mandate, the last months have seen the rapid paralysis of the state machinery, increased authoritarian tendencies and no decisive progress in the restoration of peace in the Kivus", said David Mugnier, ICG's Central Africa Project Director.

"Kabila and Prime Minister Antoine Gizenga need to acknowledge the shortcomings of the last months and make a fresh start by promoting a culture of dialogue and accountability and strengthening cooperation with the UN mission (MONUC) and the wider international community".

A comprehensive peace initiative for the Kivus, emphasising diplomacy and dialogue, is urgently needed, according to the report. Much remains to be done to turn the army and police into competent, confidence-inspiring forces that can provide stability and tackle lawlessness, especially in the militia-dominated East.

"If the new government does not live up to its own promises to build a different Congo, it is likely to continue being perceived more as a nuisance than a legitimate authority", says François Grignon, ICG's Africa Program Director.

"Without clear signs of improvement before year's end, donor support will start shifting to other post-conflict theatres, and Congo could lose the peace-building gains of the past five years".
Last Updated ( Sunday, 08 July 2007 )