Democratic Republic of the Congo
Current Operations
EUSEC RD Congo
EU Mission to Provide Advice and Assistance for Security Sector Reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (EU)
Since: 05/05
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EUPOL RD Congo
European Union Police Mission in the DRC (EU)
Since: 07/07
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MONUSCO
UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (UN-led)
Since: 07/10
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Uganda Vows to Stay out of Congo (08.10.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni declared on Wednesday that his country would not be drawn back into conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), regardless of whichever Ugandan rebels were using instability in the country's eastern provinces as a cloak for their activities.
UN Election Advisors Arrive in Kinshasa (07.10.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Two representatives from the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA) arrived on Saturday in Kinshasa at the beginning of a mission to determine how the UN could best support nationwide elections due to be held around July 2005, at the end of the mandate of a two-year transitional government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Massaker in Ituri fordert 55 Opfer (07.10.2003)
(Quelle: SZ) Angehörige der UN-Friedensmission für Kongo (MONUC)haben die Leichen in dem Dorf Katshelli im Nordosten des Landes gefunden. … Eine Untersuchung der Umstände des Massakers sei eingeleitet worden. Bei der Bluttat handelte es sich um das erste bekannt gewordene Massaker in der zwischen den Stammesgruppen der Hema und Lenu umkämpften Region seit die UN Anfang September das Kommando von einer EU-geführten Friedenstruppe übernahm.
DRC Doing Better Than Expected (01.10.2003)
(Quelle: UN-News) 'I'm encouraged overall by what I found when I arrived in Kinshasa,' MONUC chief William Lacy Swing said at a press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York. … Mr. Swing also reported progress on the nation's international debt. 'International support for the transition is probably as strong or stronger has been since independence,' he said.
Ituri Brigade Build-Up Nears Completion (01.10.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) With the arrival of some 300 soldiers on Tuesday, the Pakistani contingent of the UN peacekeeping mission's (MONUC) Ituri Brigade is now complete in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUC military spokesman James Pruden said. … Pruden said the force strength of the Ituri Brigade had reached 3,361 soldiers, including men and women, and was ultimately expected to reach 4,800 soldiers.
Ugandan Army Deploys Near Border (29.09.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The Ugandan army has deployed forces near the border of neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following reports that Ugandan rebels had regrouped in nearby Congolese villages.
Tshisekedi Returns from Exile (29.09.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Veteran opposition politician Etienne Tshisekedi returned to Kinshasa … on Sunday after a self-imposed two-year exile spent largely in South Africa, but said he would not take part in the country's recently-inaugurated two-year transitional government. …He said his focus would now be on national elections due to be organised within the next two years, rather than on trying to have his party incorporated into the national power-sharing government.
Leaders Pledge Non-Interference (25.09.2003)
(Quelle: UN-News) Representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and three neighbouring countries today agreed to refrain from interference in each other's affairs, and to prevent arms shipments to warring groups in the eastern areas of the country following a meeting called by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Internationaler Strafgerichtshof bereitet Ermittlungen in Kongo vor (24.09.2003)
(Quelle: NZZ) In einem ersten Schritt will der oberste Ankläger die 91 Staaten, die den Gerichtshof tragen, zu eigenen Ermittlungen über finanzielle Beziehungen zu Stellen der Demokratischen Republik Kongo ermutigen. Dabei geht es nach seinen Angaben um illegalen Handel vor allem mit Diamanten, Gold, Kobalt und anderen wertvollen Rohstoffen aus dem afrikanischen Land.
Government to Strengthen Police Presence in Ituri (22.09.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The national unity government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has decided to send 3,035 police officers to Ituri District. …. 'To bring an end to the belief that Bunia is a protectorate [of the UN], the government has decided to send a mixed police force comprising elements of the forces of the former government, RCD-Goma, the MLC [Mouvement de liberation du Congo] - the other main former rebel movement - and the Mayi-Mayi [militias],' Vice-President Azarias Ruberwa said.
Artemis was “A Big Success” (17.09.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The recent EU-led multinational peace enforcement mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Operation Artemis, was a 'big humanitarian, military and political success', Aldo Ajello, the EU special representative for Africa’s Great Lakes Region, said on Wednesday during a debriefing for the media in Brussels, Belgium.
UN Troops Clash with Militias (16.09.2003)
(Quelle: UN-News) A United Nations helicopter on aerial patrol in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) shot in self-defence at a truck carrying armed militias to Bunia, hitting two of them, the UN mission in the country said today. … Meanwhile yesterday, gunfire erupted in Bunia after the UN brigade in Ituri began conducting cordon and search operations to ensure that the town was free of weapons by 10 o'clock local time.
UN Prepares Regional Conference (11.09.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Following a meeting with Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Louis Michel in Brussels on Thursday, the UN Secretary-General’s special representative for the Great Lakes region, Ibrahima Fall, told IRIN that the way was now open for the international conference on the area, now that the heads of states of the participating countries had nominated their national coordinators and approved the calendar of activities.
Ituri Brigade in Place (06.09.2003)
(Quelle: UN-News) Some 2,500 United Nations peacekeeping troops are now firmly in place in Bunia, in the war-ravaged northeast province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to the UN Mission in the country. Just a few days after taking over security responsibilities from the French-led Interim Emergency Multinational Force (IEMF), which had been policing the troubled regions since June, the UN Organization Mission’s (MONUC’s) Ituri Brigade has also begun to deploy outside of Bunia, conducting reconnaissance missions this week.
MONUC Starts to Rebuild Infrastructure in Ituri (04.09.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The troops, which on Monday took over from the French-led multinational peacekeeping force in Bunia, will bring the town's tiny airport up to international standards. They will also repair the road linking Bunia with Beni, the principle town in neighbouring North Kivu Province. UN officials in charge of the mission said the projects were vital both to the UN peace-enforcement mission in Ituri and to the resumption of business in Bunia.
Operation Artemis beendet (03.09.2003)
(Quelle: SZ) Etwa 1100 EU-Soldaten hatten seit Ende Mai das Mandat, unter der Führung Frankreichs einen drohenden Völkermord im Nordosten der Demokratischen Republik Kongo zu verhindern. Nach Abschluss der so genannten Operation Artemis übernahmen UN-Blauhelmsoldaten die letzten Kontrollposten in der Provinzhauptstadt Bunia.
Failed Mutiny in Kisangani (01.09.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The installation of leaders of a unified national military in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that was due to take place on Monday has been postponed, while a failed mutiny has been reported in the northeastern city of Kisangani, Orientale Province. … Gen Bora Uzima, an RCD-Goma officer, has been accused of leading the failed putsch – a charge that he has denied.
MONUC Takes over from Artemis (01.09.2003)
(Quelle: BBC World) The UN soldiers will be working under a Chapter Seven mandate which allows them to use force if necessary. … Around 2,400 members of the UN peacekeeping force, nicknamed the Ituri Brigade, are already in Bunia, according to Abu Thiam, a military spokesman from the UN force. He said a Nepalese contingent would bring the total to about 4,000 in October.
Ituri Militia Leaders Afraid to Surrender (27.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Leaders of armed factions in the troubled Ituri District of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) want to disarm but say they cannot because they are afraid of their own men, a UN peacekeeping official told IRIN. 'Ituri's militia leaders are in a tight corner because while they know they have to surrender, they fear falling victim of a coup by their own men if they try. This is a dangerous situation, as their men are not all well controlled”.
Security Council Deals with Bunia Transition Process (26.08.2003)
(Quelle: UN-News) Seeking to maintain stability in war-torn Bunia, the United Nations Security Council today authorized countries participating in the French-led force currently policing the tense northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to assist UN peacekeepers during the upcoming handover of authority there.
Ituri Militias to Cooperate with Kinshasa (25.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Militias in the embattled Ituri District of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have agreed to work together with the newly-inaugurated transitional government in restoring state authority across the region, Thomas Lubanga, head of the Union des patriotes congolais (UPC) told IRIN on Monday…. In a memorandum of understanding signed at the end of the talks, the Ituri militias pledged to end hostilities in the region and to bring an end to 'uncontrolled' groups that have continued to commit massacres.
Parliament Opened (25.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The National Assembly and Senate of the two-year transitional government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) were opened on Friday. … The National Assembly is made up of 500 members from the numerous parties to the inter-Congolese dialogue, namely the former Kinshasa government, the unarmed political opposition, civil society and former rebel movements. The Senate, headed by civil society leader Pierre Marini Bodho, is made up of 120 members from the various parties to the national power-sharing accord.
National Army to Deploy to Ituri (20.08.2003)
(Quelle: BBC World) Militia groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to the deployment of national police and army forces in the troubled north-eastern Ituri province. The leaders of five militia groups also reaffirmed their commitment to a peace agreement signed in the town of Bunia in March. The militia leaders issued their statement after a meeting in the capital, Kinshasa, organised by the United Nations mission in the country, Monuc.
Controversy over Military Nominations Cleared up (19.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Former rebel movement Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma), which is now part of a two-year national transition government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has submitted a revised list of candidates for top military posts, thereby resolving a controversy that had delayed formation of a unified national army. … The previous list of candidates provoked an outcry from President Joseph Kabila …as well as from the International Committee to Accompany the Transition … because of its inclusion of individuals suspected of involvement in the assassination of late president Laurent-Desire Kabila.
Donors, UN Agencies Discuss Election Assistance (19.08.2003)
(Quelle: UN-News) William Lacy Swing, head of the UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC), presided over an international assistance meeting yesterday in the capital Kinshasa that was mainly aimed at establishing areas of interest for donors and taking stock of the work already done in this area by MONUC and the wider international community. It also served as a forum to explore ways the international community could coordinate and adequately manage its efforts in support of the DRC's Transitional Government and the Independent Electoral Commission.
Ituri Militias Meet for Peace Talks (18.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) A meeting among representatives of numerous militias from the embattled Ituri District of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), together with the national transition government and the UN Mission in the DRC, known as MONUC, has been convened in the capital, Kinshasa, in an effort to promote peace and to find a place for militiamen in the unified national army.
25 Vaccinators Held Hostage (12.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Mayi-Mayi militiamen in Maniema Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have been holding 25 vaccinators hostage for nearly two weeks, the UN mission in the country, known as MONUC, reported on Monday.
More MONUC Soldiers Arrive in Bunia (12.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) continued to boost its strength in the northeastern district of Ituri, with the arrival of 250 Bangladeshi troops in Bunia on Sunday, UN News reported.
Voluntary Disarmament of Militias Under Discussion (12.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnew) The new transitional government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the UN Mission in the country, know as MONUC, are discussing a programme to disarm various groups and militias in the northeastern district of Ituri, the special representative of the UN Secretary-general, William Swing, said on Monday.
First River Convoy Reaches Kisangani (05.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) William Swing, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, said that the arrival of the convoy, escorted by MONUC, was 'an important moment in the physical and geographical reunification process of this vast and beautiful country, with a psychological and social impact on the populations and which would facilitate economic recovery'.
Renewed Fighting in Ituri (05.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Another attack on the village of Fataki, about 80 km north of Bunia, the main town of the troubled Ituri District of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is reported to have taken place on Saturday and Sunday, according to the Missionary Service News Agency (MISNA).
RCD-Goma Makes Concessions on Military Regions (04.08.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) RCD-Goma leader Azarias Ruberwa, one of four vice-presidents of the country's two-year transitional government, said on Friday during a news conference in the capital, Kinshasa, that his movement was ready to accept the two military regions it had been offered under a plan for a unified national military. … RCD-Goma had previously refused the plan, claiming it would throw the balance of power in favour of the former government of DRC President Joseph Kabila.
UN Reports on Ituri Violence (31.07.2003)
(Quelle: UN-News) Two United Nations reports on human rights violations occurring late last year and earlier this year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) point to instances of cannibalism, systematic killing, rape and looting, and unprecedented violence arising from the proliferation of rival factions.
MONUC Mandat verlängert (29.07.2003)
(Quelle: SZ) Der Weltsicherheitsrat hat das Mandat für die bewaffnete UN-Friedenstruppe in Kongo um ein Jahr verlängert und die Zahl der dort eingesetzten Blauhelm-Soldaten von 8700 auf 10 800 erhöht. Gleichzeitig verhängte das höchste UN-Entscheidungsgremium ein Waffenembargo für alle Kämpfer im Osten der Demokratischen Republik Kongo.
Ituri Militias Agree to Disarm (24.07.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Rival ethnic militias in the Ituri District of northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) agreed on Wednesday to disarm, withdraw to rear bases and to participate in joint verification exercises, UN spokesman Hamadoun Toure told IRIN. He said that representatives from five regional militias - the Union des patriotes congolais (UPC), a primarily Hema militia; the Forces armees du peuple congolais; the Front des nationalistes et des integrationnistes; the Forces populaires pour la democratie au Congo; and the Parti pour l'unite et la sauvegarde de l'integrite du Congo - took part in the talks.
Rebels Raise DRC Flag (23.07.2003)
(Quelle: BBC World) The national flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been raised in the eastern rebel stronghold of Goma, in the latest sign that the five-year war is coming to an end. An agreement has also been reached on the oath of allegiance for ministers in the new power-sharing government.
Solana: MONUC Needs Mandate Similar to Artemis (21.07.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) 'We must preserve what the European Union force has achieved,' Solana told the (UN Security) council. 'It is essential that a reinforced MONUC presence be deployed in Bunia within the planned timescale.' The EU-led force in Bunia is scheduled to end its operations on 1 September, when MONUC troops are expected to take over. 'That force should have a mandate and rules of engagement similar to those of the European Union force,' he said in reference to Chapter Seven of the UN Charter.
Former Rebels Refuse Oath of Office (18.07.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Transitional government officials designated by the two principal former rebel movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) refused to take the oath of office on Friday because it included swearing allegiance to President Joseph Kabila. … The two former rebel movements also said that the oaths of office for ministers and deputy ministers designate were not the same as those taken by the four vice-presidents sworn in on Thursday, in which they vowed to 'safeguard the unity and indivisibility of the country'.
Rebels Leaders Gather in Kinshasa to be Sworn in (17.07.2003)
(Quelle: BBC World) The leader of the largest rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Azarias Ruberwa, RCD-Goma) arrived in Kinshasa on Wednesday, ending days of speculation about whether he would take up his seat in the transitional government, after disputes over security arrangements and the sharing of control of the DRC's military districts. Jean Pierre Bemba, the leader of the second largest rebel group, the Ugandan-backed MLC, is also in Kinshasa to take up the position of vice-president.
Internationaler Strafgerichtshof will Kriegsverbrechen ahnden (17.07.2003)
(Quelle: Die Welt) Nicht nur die Schwere der Verbrechen mache eine zügige Verfolgung notwendig, sondern auch der Verdacht, dass die dortige Regierung zu einer Ahndung nicht im Stande sei. … Dem Ankläger liegen bereits detaillierte Berichte von verschiedenen Organisationen sowie konkrete Aussagen von Verbrechensopfern vor. Dabei gehe es auch um die Finanzierung der Bluttaten durch Gold- und Drogenschmuggel, Ölgeschäfte und Waffenhandel.
Rebel Leaders Join Government (17.07.2003)
(Quelle: Washington Post) At a ceremony attended by thousands in Congo's capital, Kinshasa, the two rebel leaders -- Jean-Pierre Bemba of the Congolese Liberation Movement, which is backed by Uganda, and Azarias Ruberwa of the Congolese Rally for Democracy, which is allied with Rwanda -- were among four new vice presidents sworn in. … The induction ceremony occurred as news spread of the fighting in northeast Congo that may have killed more than 80 people, mostly civilians. The fighting, which officials said continued today, pitted the Lendu and Hema tribal groups against each other and involved other rebels and government troops, officials said.
Tribal Militias Clash in Ituri (17.07.2003)
(Quelle: Washington Post) Rebels said on Thursday that at least 54 people were killed in renewed tribal fighting in northeast Congo, close to the town of Bunia where an international force has been deployed to keep the peace. A spokesman for the mainly Hema PUSIC rebel group said militias allied to the Lendu tribe attacked the town of Tchomia, around 30 miles east of Bunia.
Solana Meets Three Presidents in One Day (16.07.2003)
(Quelle: BBC World) He is in Uganda for talks with President Yoweri Museveni, following discussions with the Congolese president, Joseph Kabila and President Paul Kagame in Rwanda. The hectic activity is all centred on one purpose - cementing peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. … The backing of Uganda and Rwanda is particularly important, since it was their intervention in 1998 that triggered the Congolese war, dragging in six countries and costing an estimated three million lives.
Solana: MONUC Needs Stronger Mandate (15.07.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) 'For us, the mandate must be very close to that of the force currently deployed in Ituri, under Chapter Seven, which authorises strong engagement,' Solana said at a news conference in the capital, Kinshasa. … Solana said the EU would support a stronger MONUC during the next meeting of the UN Security Council on the DRC.
US, UK Back French Congo Plan (15.07.2003)
(Quelle: New York Times) The United States, France and Britain have united behind a French draft resolution that would impose an arms embargo in eastern Congo, increase the ceiling on United Nations peacekeepers in the country and strengthen their military mandate, diplomats from two of the countries involved said today.
Inauguration of Transitional Government may be Delayed (14.07.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) Discussions regarding the security of transitional government members by the national follow-up committee to the inter-Congolese dialogue were suspended on Saturday when participants demanded that the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma), a Rwandan-backed rebel movement, revoke its decision on Thursday to create three military regions in territory currently under its control.
Solana to Visit Great Lakes Region (11.07.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) He is due to meet DRC President Joseph Kabila and his vice-presidents on Tuesday, in Kinshasa. Solana is also scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative, William Swing. Discussions will focus on EU support for stabilisation and the peace process in the region, the EU stated. … On Wednesday, Solana will go to Bunia, the main city of the embattled Ituri District of northeastern DRC, where he will visit the EU force, known as Operation Artemis.
Indian Air Force to Congo (10.07.2003)
(Quelle: BBC World) India says it is sending a contingent of its air force to the Democratic Republic of Congo this week as part of the United Nations peacekeeping operations there. A spokesman in Delhi said the 300 Indian Air Force personnel would use helicopters to provide aerial support to ground operations. The spokesman said the decision to send an air contingent was taken in response to a specific request from the UN in the Congo.
Bangladeshi MONUC Contingent to Arrive in Bunia (10.07.2003)
(Quelle: UN-News) The first group of soldiers expected to take over for the Interim Multinational Force in the volatile northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is set to arrive in war-torn Bunia on Monday. … According to the UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC), the first 175 Bangladeshi soldiers arriving in Bunia Monday, will be followed by another 1,665 Bangladeshi troops, ahead of a projected 3,800-strong contingent that will take over from the Interim Emergency Multinational Force (IEMF) deployed to the region last month to help quell the violence.
Vice-Presidents to be Sworn in (09.07.2003)
(Quelle: Irinnews) The four vice-presidents to serve in the transitional government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will be sworn in on 17 July, the follow-up committee of the inter-Congolese dialogue announced on Tuesday in the capital, Kinshasa. Jean-Pierre Bemba and Azarias Ruberwa, the leaders of the Mouvement de liberation du Congo (MLC) and Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma) rebel groups, and two of the country's four vice-presidents designate, are due to arrive in Kinshasa on 14 July.