A glimmer of hope from the peace accords signed between the Maï-maï and RCD combattants in South Kivu

Since the early September 2003, peace accords are being signed, in the territories of Walungu and Bunyakiri, between the Maï-mai  combattants and the RCD forces under the facilitation of the United Mission in Congo (MONUC). The achievement of these negociations results from the request made by both General Padiri Bulenda(Maï-maï) and General Sylvain Buki(RCD), who have integrated the new congolese army.

In fact, if sincere and honest, the message that is being conveyed by military officials of both parts projects hope and reassurance that real peace may be restored in the major part of the South Kivu province. One of the Maï-maï commanders sent by General Padiri Bulenda from Kinshasa declared on September 9^th, 2003: “ No more reason to fight our brothers- All the barriers between us must be broken and removed. Both the RCD and Maï-maï movements have engaged to put their forces together to protect the D.R.Congo.”

As a result, peace is being restablished progressively in different villages of the province which, formerly, were the battle fields of these forces. Displaced people are returning to their villages.

Nevertheless, the issue concerning the rwandan milicious “Interahamwe” is still worrying. On September 27^th, 2003 Mr Abeli Mukumo resident of Mungombe, territory of Mwenga province of South Kivu was seriously injured by Interahamwe in his home and many things stollen when the assaillants intruded in his house in search for dollars. Likewise, On Sptember 5^th, 2003, they looted money and other valuable stuffs from passengers in 3 vans going to Bunyakiri. This unlawful action happened at Saba-Saba.

Welcoming these peace accords between former belligerants, one of the concret signs of the reunification, Héritiers de la Justice invites political and military authorities to support and expand this action trough out the South Kivu province in particular and the whole D.R.Congo in general. Besides, Héritiers de  la Justice asks the leaders to work with the people for an effective restablishment of peace and the respect of the Human Rights. 

Moreover, Héritiers de la Justice wishes that a common action be carried out between DDRRR Depatment of the MONUC and the movements concerned with the accords in  order to stop the human rights violations commited by the Interahamwe.

Héritiers de la Justice

 11. 10.  2003