RCD slams proposed debate

The rebel Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD) has expressed grave misgivings about the DRC government's proposal to hold a national debate scheduled for 8-15 May in Nairobi. In a press statement, received by IRIN on Friday, it blamed President Laurent-Desire Kabila for "steam rolling" the initiative with no consultations about the agenda, list of participants and the approach to securing peace. "The agenda has been set as usual by Kabila to suit Kabila," said Thomas Nziratimana, the RCD's representative in South Africa. "There was no consultation and the invitation list will undoubtedly exclude vital leaders without whose support any such initiative is doomed." He said a ceasefire agreement was vital, after which an agenda could be drawn up for a national debate involving all the stakeholders. "We want to see this war ended as quickly as possible. Kabila has it in his power to do so. All it requires from him is an acceptance that Congo is not his personal chiefdom, and to genuinely embrace the idea of an inclusive process involving all of our people," Nziratimana said.