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The first fast patrol boat for the UN peacekeepers’ Uruguayan Riverine Unit on the river Congo was expected to arrive in the DRC capital, Kinshasa on Wednesday. According to a statement from the UN Mission in Congo (MONUC), the boat will be transported on an Antonov 124-100 large cargo aircraft.
The fast patrol boat can carry 12 people including six crew. A second fast patrol boat is expected in Kinshasa on Thursday. The 170-strong Uruguayan Riverine Unit should arrive in Congo on 4 Jun and proceed directly to Mbandaka.
“With the receipt of these fast boats and the Uruguayan Riverine Unit, MONUC is taking an important step in the effective re-opening of the river Congo to navigation, as announced in Mbandaka on 20 May 2001 by the UN Security Council mission led by Ambassador Jean-David Levitte of France,” the statement said, recalling that the mission visited the Great Lakes region from 17-25 May.
“Further, in respect of free movement of personnel and vehicles granted by all the Parties to the Lusaka Accord, MONUC will have a first barge leaving Mbandaka for Kisangani on 7 June. An all-Party and MONUC technical commission will be established to deal with navigational procedures,” the statement added.
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