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Armed groups in northeastern DR of Congo sign peace agreement - UN

Armed groups in northeastern DR of Congo sign peace agreement - UN

Representatives of armed militia groups from the embattled Ituri District in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have signed an agreement with the government to disarm and participate in the country's transitional process towards democracy, according to the United Nations mission in the country.

The UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) reported that six armed groups operating in the eastern region of Ituri have agreed to begin a disarmament process. At the end of a meeting in the capital Kinshasa, the groups also reaffirmed their support for the national transition process and agreed to work towards the reunification of the country.

MONUC commended the Ituri leaders for taking this important step and reiterated its readiness to provide assistance in the disarmament process. The Mission also commended the Transitional Government for reaffirming its commitment to addressing the situation in Ituri.