COMMUNIQUE’ ON THE SITUATION IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

7^TH JUNE 2004

 PREAMBLE:

The Quest for Peaceful Resolutions of Conflicts in Africa is ever being pursued. In this regard grassroots Practitioners at an Advanced Conflict Transformation Course in Johannesburg-South Africa (May/June 2004) have learnt with dismay the violence being perpetuated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the beginning of June 2004.

At a time when the Civil Society in Africa have become weary of Violence and are developing strategies to deal with conflicts in a peaceful manner through capacity building, working with communities to reconstruct the fabric of society, engaging in Advocacy with Leaders at all levels, it is disheartening to learn that some sectors of the African Community continue to use violence in handling conflicts. 

As participants in the Advanced Conflict Transformation Course 2004 organized by Coalition for Peace in Africa (COPA), we are concerned and wish to let our voices be heard thus:

That the occupation of Bukavu in DRC by the Rwandese Army collaborating with Rebels is unacceptable. We are perturbed by the various reports we are receiving confirming the mayhem pursued by Rebels and the Rwandese army killings, lootings and destructions of properties under the commands of General Laurent Nkunda and Colonel Julius Mvtebuzi.

We condemn the Neutral posture of MONIC, which is a UN Peace keeping body, wondering why they standby as witnesses to the killings and destruction of innocent and peaceful Civilians.

We want the fighting Forces and their Leaders to understand that violence of any sort cannot solve disputes or conflicts around the world. Therefore they must pursue dialogue as a means of peacefully resolving their conflict. We believe only dialogue can bring lasting Agreement and solutions to any problem.

We demand that :

v     The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) and the International Community condemn this act of violence and strongly intervene by taking necessary and urgent action to bring the situation to normalcy. The Rwandan Government should be taken to task for violating the sovereignty of another state.

v     MONUC, according to chapter 7 of its mandate, completed and reinforced with resolution 1493 and 1533 must take necessary steps in bringing the situation under control in a bid to impose Peace.

v     The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must affirm its authority in all regions of the country, especially Eastern Congo and ensure that the civil populace and their properties are protected. The DRC Government should also ensure that the Transition process is firmly pursued in the best interest of Peace, Security and Democracy, according to the agreement of the Inter-Congolese dialogue signed in Pretoria on 16^th December 2002. 

We the Participants at this COPA Act course do hereby sincerely extend our sympathy and condolences to the suffering people of Democratic Republic of Congo and request them not to fall into the Xenophobia trap, whereby they will be tempted to start targeting Rwandese in DRC. This will avert another genocide. We call on them instead to pursue their Rights in a legitimate manner.

In advance we thank all those who will positively intervene to ensure Peace in DRC and the great Lakes Regions.

Signed: Course Participants of the Advanced Conflict Transformation 2004

 June  7th, 2004