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Regional and rebel leaders meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, have set 1 March as the deadline for implementing the Lusaka ceasefire accord. According to a statement from the meeting, the leaders endorsed an updated draft proposal submitted by the ministerial political committee, to which the Joint Military Commission (JMC) reports. The summit brought together the leaders of Zimbabwe, Namibia, Rwanda, Mozambique, DRC, Zambia, Uganda and the Angolan defence minister, as well as the three rebel groups. The Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma) delegation was delayed for logistical reasons but hoped to be in Lusaka on Thursday. The statement reiterated the sides' commitment to the Lusaka accord and welcomed the UN's intention to expand the military observer force in DRC.
The UN Security Council was on Thursday expected to approve the resolution providing for the expanded deployment of over 5,500 personnel. In addition to increasing the military personnel, the draft resolution also calls on the Secretary-General to set up an experts panel to probe the alleged exploitation and commerce of natural resources and other forms of wealth in the DRC. The panel would investigate the links between these activities
and the continuation of the conflict.
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