Talks have begun between representatives of rebel forces fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and delegates from the Kinshasa government in Nairobi, Kenya. The discussions mediated by Olusegun Obasanjo (former president of Nigeria) hope to bring an end to fighting between the the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP) and the army that has displaced about 250,000 people since August. Neither Kabila nor Nkunda attended the talks.
On Friday, the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda agreed to launch military operations against armed groups operating in Congolese territory as early as 2009. MONUC the United Nations mission in the country will also provide troops. But in response Hutu rebels operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo warned that any attempt to disarm their forces could spark a “long and dreadful war.”
In a related development, the EU declined to send additional troops to Congo because though the troops are urgently needed, the countries fear that “expanding commitments in Afghanistan mean that they have no soldiers to spare for other UN missions, such as the DR Congo”. But Belgium seems to be warming to the idea reports Radio Okapi. The Belgian ambassador de Gucht says Belgium is canvassing the EU to send a special force to eastern DRC.
Meanwhle 71 rangers and their families from Virunga have sough refuge in IDP camps in Uganda following the latest conflict in North Kivu. Their situation is poor and they are surviving on rations provided through online donations.
Donations made here are
Feb 9th Jesse W USD 20.00
One Comment
EU soldiers are definitely needed in DR Congo, whereas I am unconvinced that a major effort in Afghanistan is going to achieve anything other than greater resentment and commitment to fanaticism by the Taliban and their sympathiziers, which are increasing in numbers. It may be possible to subdue the Taliban temporarily but they will be back with greater resolve after all the dust settles from any major conflict. Let’s not delude ourselves that stepping up conflict in Afghanistan is going to bring desirable changes to the region. I hope Belgium will fulfil their promise of committing well equipped troops to the region, and thank goodness that at least one country has the courage and good will to commit to this important task.