RCD to stay in Kisangani for now

On the demilitarisation of Kisangani, Guehenno said that while MONUC would continue to insist on the withdrawal of the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma), a “precipitous” pullout could provoke civil unrest. He told the Security Council debate that MONUC’s military planners were prepared to assist the RCD to draw up plans for an “orderly withdrawal of forces”. “At the same time, MONUC was very much aware of the political, military and symbolic importance of Kisangani, as well as of the potential fragility of the economic and security situation there,” he said. “A precipitous withdrawal of the RCD military forces could, therefore, provoke major civil unrest, with potential adverse implications for the peace process.” He said that in keeping with its expectations that the local authorities would retain responsibility for civil administration and the maintenance of law and order, MONUC had no objection to the RCD remaining as the de facto civil authority in Kisangani. Accordingly, it was vital for local stability to ensure, prior to the withdrawal of RCD military forces, that the local police had adequate capacity to maintain law and order after their departure. Though MONUC was prepared to build up its military strength for its own security, it had no intention of assuming law-and-order functions in Kisangani, he said.