Global Policy Forum

Some 300 commando troops of the Congolese Armed Forces are being airlifted from Aru, 150 km north east of Bunia, to the northern locality of Aba by the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Supported by a MONUC MI-25 attack helicopter, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are also deploying ground troops in Garamba National Park - close to the border with Sudan - where LRA elements are reported to have splintered.

MONUC's actions are part of its ongoing efforts to assist the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to swiftly counter the recent infiltration into its territory of some 380 remnant elements of Uganda-based Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). MONUC strongly condemns their illegal presence in the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and continues to work closely with both Congolese and Ugandan Governments to foster concerted efforts to vigorously address the threat posed by this militia group.

In this context, on 23 September, MONUC Force Commander Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye met with the Ugandan Army Commander, Lieutenant General Aronda Nyakairima to facilitate close cooperation between DR Congo and Uganda in addressing a situation that could further perpetuate a climate of insecurity in eastern DR Congo. Furthermore, on 25 September, Charles Gomis, MONUC Director of Political Affairs and General Padiri Bulenda, the Congolese Army Commander of the 9th military region called on representatives of the LRA in Aba to disarm through the existing UN disarmament, demobilisation and repatriation programme, or face military action. In view of the negative response of LRA elements, MONUC supports the ongoing operations to forcibly disarm these foreign combatants.

In response to recent accusations made by Uganda, it should be noted that the UN Secretary General recently underlined that terrorism constitutes a direct attack on the values for which the United Nations stands. MONUC recalls that its military personnel have been victims of acts of wanton violence perpetrated by Congolese armed groups that used neighbouring territories as rear bases, safe havens or as a supply route, including across Lake Albert, for illegal arms trafficking. MONUC further notes that inflammatory statements and threat of armed intervention appear to be in contradiction with Uganda's position as a member of the Tripartite Commission and the signatory of a number of international instruments and regional agreements.

Accordingly, MONUC refutes threats to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a manner inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and strongly encourages all States of the region to use existing negotiation mechanisms, including the Tripartite Commission.

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