DR of Congo: emergency force continues deployment in Bunia - UN

Pressing ahead with a "weapons-free Bunia" initiative and other efforts to maintain the recent calm in the war-torn northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) town, the Interim Emergency Multinational Force is stepping up deployment in outlying neighbourhoods, United Nations officials said today.

UN officials in Bunia reported that the Force has been deploying in an increasing number of neighbourhoods in the town. In the Yambi area, members of the Hema-UPC militia withdrew when elements of the force arrived there.

The Force has set up checkpoints in various areas in town. While it is deploying in the south, it has also set up a checkpoint at the northern entrance of Bunia to prevent the entry of armed elements.

Last week, the UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) reported that the Force would begin informing all armed groups of the "weapons-free town of Bunia" plan, which kicked off Monday.

In London, where he had talks with top British officials, Secretary-General Kofi Annan stressed the need for the neighbouring countries to cooperate fully in ensuring that there is effective cooperation along their border with the DRC. He added that the main players – the Presidents of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC must also work with the international community to ensure that the fighting in the region is stopped.

Meanwhile, in his final press conference as the head of MONUC, Amos Namanga Ngongi said in Kinshasa today that his experience had been "largely positive." He welcomed the breakthrough in the DRC peace process since he took up MONUC's leadership in 2001, particularly the recent launching of the first commercial convoy between the capital and Kisangani, and the reunification of the country through radio broadcasts that span the entire Congolese territory.

He also welcomed the withdrawal of foreign troops from the DRC, the frontline ceasefire, and the reinforcement of MONUC's presence in the Ituri district. Still, he deplored the continued mistrust among the Congolese parties and the killing of civilians throughout the eastern part of the country. He hoped that soon, all the Congolese parties would respect the various agreements that had been signed and that, possibly, by as early as 3 July, a transitional government could be installed.

Mr. Ngongi's successor will be William Lacy Swing, former United States Ambassador to the DRC and currently Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative for Western Sahara. Mr. Swing is expected to arrive in Kinshasa in about 10 days to take up his duties as MONUC chief.