Security Council urges peace in DRC, Burundi

The United Nations Security Council is to send a mission to the Great Lakes region and southern Africa from 27 April to 7 May. The 15 ambassadors will travel to South Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda.

The aim of the trip is to give new impetus to the peace process in the DRC, to support the UN Organisation Mission (known by its French acronym, MONUC) in the country, and to encourage the parties to the conflict to fulfil their obligations on the basis of the Lusaka agreement and resolutions passed by the Council, said the UN.

The mission would urge all parties to take the necessary steps to start the process of disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, repatriation and resettlement ("DDRRR") of armed groups in the DRC, as well as discuss with relevant parties the expediting and facilitation of the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country.

Parties to the conflict would also be reminded, among other things, of their obligations as regards the ceasefire, the disengagement plans of Kampala and Harare, the demilitarisation of Kisangani in eastern DRC, the human rights situation in the country, the illegal exploitation of natural resources, and the resumption of commercial traffic on the Congo river, the UN said.

The parties would be reminded that "the success of the peace process rests upon them, and that cooperation, dialogue and confidence among the parties are necessary to advance this process".

With regard to Burundi, the mission would, among other things, provide support for the peace process and the transitional government, urge the rebel groups to cease hostilities immediately, and address human rights issues, including those concerning refugees and child soldiers. "It will also discuss with the transitional Government of Burundi the dire economic situation the country is facing and the risks this situation brings to the success of the peace process," the UN reported.