Tshisekedi calls for embargo on warring parties

Veteran Congolese opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi has called for an international embargo on the warring sides in DRC, as pressure to bring them to the negotiating table with other DRC political groups. “We have a few concrete proposals, such as an embargo, a complete embargo on sales of diamonds throughout the country,” he said, in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI). “I am talking about diamonds from Mbuji-Mayi and Kisangani so that these people are unable to buy arms. There should also be a total embargo on sales of arms to the warring parties in the region.”

The leader of the Union pour la democratie et le progres social (UDPS) said the issue of who was responsible for the aggression was “very questionable”. “One has to bear in mind that Kabila seized power by force,” he said. “So, the aggression did not start in 1998 but in 1996, when Kabila took over power. One should not be sidetracked by this issue of aggression.” He stressed that the solution to the conflict was contained in the Lusaka peace accord.

Meanwhile, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa on Sunday told the South Africa news agency that foreign countries fighting in the DRC had committed themselves to withdrawing their troops during the 21 April summit at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. “They all agreed it was important that they should move as quickly as possible to implement what was agreed with regard to the military programme leading to the withdrawal of those foreign troops,” Mbeki said.