Security Council mission calls for extra push for peace in DR of Congo, Burundi

With both the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi "at a crucial turning point" in their peace processes, the United Nations Security Council should take financial and technical steps to help ensure success of the transition from years of war, according to the report of a Council mission released today.

The mission, which visited the region last month, also voices concern over indications that illicit arms continue to flow into the DRC and condemns the prevalence of sexual violence in both countries.

"Such atrocities continue to be perpetrated by almost all armed groups, including units associated with the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of Burundi," it reports. "Sexual violence, a war crime, must be stopped, and the regional leaders are reminded pf their responsibility to hold those responsible accountable."

With the DRC scheduled to hold elections in seven months and violence and tensions still roiling the eastern provinces of the vast country, the mission recommends that the Council urge possible donors of financial and technical assistance to help in the important task of demobilizing, reintegrating or repatriating the armed factions.

These factions include the ex-FAR/Interahamwe, blamed for the 1994 massacre of Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda by Hutu extremists, whose bases in the neighbouring DRC Rwanda has threatened to attack. The mission recalls its earlier appeal to Rwanda to refrain from any act violating international law and to the DRC to accelerate the repatriation of foreign armed groups.

On Burundi, torn by decades of ethnic war between Hutus and Tutsis which have left hundreds of thousands dead and hundreds of thousands more displaced, the mission recommends that the Council consider what further measures to take against the Front National de Libération (FNL), which has not joined the peace process.

It also recommends that the Council take urgent action on the issue of impunity with regard to the feasibility of establishing an international commission of enquiry.

Thirdly, to help alleviate poverty, the Council should "proactively urge" donor countries to disburse the much needed financial aid and extent technical assistance.