Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide are seeking applications for the post of Programme Coordinator in their DRC team. You will be responsible for leading the research and development of the HIV/AIDS and education programmes and for providing support to the Field Officer in managing and Developing the food security and nutrition projects.

On 10 July 2004, the Butembo High Court granted Nicaise Kibel-Bel-Oka, publisher and editor of the Beni-based newspaper "Les Coulisses", a temporary release. The journalist had been detained at the Beni central prison for 21 days. Beni is located in North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. On 19 June, a Beni court sentenced Kibel-Bel-Oka to six months in prison and payment of US$5,000 in damages for defamation against Jean-Jacques Kiangu, a high-profile businessman in that part of the country.

Hundreds of civilians are fleeing the town of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo amid fears of renewed fighting between government forces and a renegade commander who seized the town of Bukavu last month with what a new U.N. report says was the backing of the Rwandan government, Reuters reported. Forces loyal to Laurent Nkunda clashed with D.R.C. army troops near Goma last Thursday and are said to be planning an attack on the town despite the presence of 13,000 D.R.C. government soldiers there.

A U.N.-backed body barred the Republic of Congo from the legitimate world diamond trade this week, accusing it of blatantly sending millions of dollars in smuggled gems onto the global market. Suspending the west African country was "necessary to safeguard the credibility and integrity" of international efforts to block black-market conflict diamonds from the $60 billion annual diamond business, said the group.

Eight legislators from a former rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have withdrawn from parliament after demanding an investigation into alleged massacres of Congolese Tutsis, known as Banyamulenge, in the east of the country. The parliamentarians from the former rebel Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie (RCD) have left the capital, Kinshasa, for the eastern town of Goma. They told IRIN on Wednesday that they would not return to parliament.

Some 77 children have died and 2,599 others are infected following an outbreak of gastroenteritis in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a health ministry official. The associate director of epidemiology at the health ministry, Dr Vital Mondonge Makuma, told IRIN on Wednesday that the disease, caused by a strain of the Escherichia coli bacterium, broke out six weeks ago.

The flow of refugees from the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) into Burundi has slowed considerably and some Congolese have gone back home without official help, but the area has not calmed down sufficiently to make "facilitated repatriation" advisable, the United Nations refugee agency said. Refugees who arrived in Burundi after distributions of food and sanitary materials have cited food shortages as their reason for returning to the DRC.

International Resuce Committee

The International Rescue Committee is seeking a health co-ordinator with the responsibility for the development, implementation and evaluation of all the organisation's health-related activities in the Kivu and Katanga province as well as for the development of a strategy for IRC health interventions throughout DRC.

Save the Children, UK

Save the Children UK is seeking a Programme Manager for the rebuilding of its activities in South Kivu, DRC. The successful applicant will hold a university degree in social sciences or management and have at least 2 years experience managing humanitarian programmes with an international organisation in Africa.

In a report published last month, the NGO Global Witness has called for the issue of resource exploitation to be given a high priority on the aid agenda and for it to integrated into the anti-corruption policies supported by the country's vibrant civil society. The report, entitled 'Same Old Story' details the implications of the exploitation of the Democratic Republic of Congo's natural resources for the country's peace process.

Hundreds of Congolese refugees – mostly women and students – have returned home from Burundi amid mixed feelings on the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Between 100 and 200 Congolese refugees have been crossing back home every day since last Saturday. Most of them were living in villages outside the camps in Burundi's border zone, where an estimated 34,000 people sought refuge after fleeing conflict in eastern DRC in early June. Most of the returnees are women who leave their families in Burundi, crossing back into the DRC to assess the situation in their villages and to check on their property. They say they plan to report back to their families in Burundi before planning their return.

The Bambuti Pygmies in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were targeted for extermination by forces controlled by one of the Congo's current Vice Presidents, reveal the findings of the first research mission to take detailed testimony from Pygmy villages in the forests of Ituri and Kivu. Attacks against the Pygmies included mass killings, acts of cannibalism, systematic rape and the looting and destruction of villages. Minority Rights Group International (MRG) has submitted a dossier of evidence to the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The dossier includes shocking video testimony from the victims of crimes carried out since 1st July 2002, the date at which the ICC's jurisdiction over crimes committed in DRC began, and continuing up to the present.

Coming a year after the transition began, the May-June Bukavu crisis was a wake-up call for all parties to the peace process and the international community, says a new briefing from the International Crisis Group (ICG). "Unless peace-building in the Kivus receives new priority and resources, a repetition could destroy the peace process before any elections can be held. The transitional government must demonstrate that it is capable of finding political solutions, while taking the necessary decisions, for example on the law on nationality and amnesty. At the same time, MONUC's shortcomings, which were evident during the crisis, need to be overcome, and it must implement its mandate more assertively," said the ICG, which also called on the international community to put pressure on Rwanda to cease all military involvement in the Congo.

The United Nations urged Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Tuesday to protect vital ape habitats on their borders after a huge swathe of forest was cut down on the Congolese side. The U.N. was responding to reports that six square miles of mountain gorilla habitat had been cleared in the Congo part of Virunga National Park, threatening one of the planet's rarest and most magnificent wild animals.

Colonel Bokeone of the Kasongo garrison in Maniema province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was dismissed from duty on 20 June 2004, following a brutal attack on a radio director that left him in the hospital with severe injuries. Modeste Shabani, director of the Kasongo-based Sauti ya Mkaaji (The Voice of the Farmer) community radio station, was attacked earlier that morning by a group of armed men under Bokeone's control. According to a JED representative who was able to visit Shabani on 29 June at the Goma hospital in North Kivu province, eastern DRC, where he had been transferred earlier that day, the journalist reported fractured hips, broken ribs, terrible pains at the base of his neck, as well as large lesions on his buttocks muscles.

Angola's social assistance and reintegration ministry Friday started the repatriation of some 40,000 Angolan refugees from the DRC, in conjunction with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Out of these, 12,397 will return to the eastern provinces of Moxico, while 12,787 are expected in the northern provinces of Uije and Zaire during the second repatriation exercise since last May.

In 1998 what became known as Africa’s World War erupted in the Great Lakes Region, with the DRC acting as the battlefield for a host of African countries. What followed was four years of extraordinary violence and a death toll that some put in the millions. Since 2002 a peace of sorts has prevailed, but the fall of Bukavu in Eastern DRC in late May seemed to put this on shaky ground. Pambazuka News emailed questions to Joseph Yav Katshung, Executive Director of CERDH (Centre d`Etudes et de Recherche en Droits de l`Homme et Démocratie), to find out more about the situation in the DRC.

PAMBAZUKA NEWS: What is the aftermath of the failed coup attempt in Kinshasa and the crisis in the east of the country? What did actually happen and is a clearer picture beginning to emerge as to the circumstances of events and the forces at play?

JYK: As may be recalled, the coup attempt took place in early June 2004. This however must be seen within a greater context. Before this, in late May, the city of Bukavu (East of DRC) fell to rebels, who are RCD dissidents, Laurent Kunda and Mutebusi who are said to be supported by the Rwandan government. A few days later, they withdrew back into Rwanda taking with them property looted from the city. It is reported that the rebels committed extensive human rights violations, notably rape, torture and killings of innocent civilians.

The following week, Eric Lenge, a Major serving within the special presidential guard (Garde Speciale de la Sécurité Présidentielle), appeared, at 2.30 that morning, on national television accompanied by about 20 soldiers and announced that the transition process was suspended forthwith. He also asked civilians to stay in their homes for their own safety.

They later went to the Tchatchi military camp where they were surrounded by security forces. About 8 of Lenge's men were arrested. The rest, including him, managed to escape arrest. Rumours had followed that Joseph Kabila, the transitional government President had been killed. Soon thereafter, Kabila appeared on national television as an attestation that he was alive and that the transitional mechanism was still in place. The security forces were tracking down Lenge and his men.

Azzarias Ruberwa, one of the four Vice Presidents, who is considered to have links to Rwanda, was suspected to have been behind the coup attempt. This has however not been confirmed. In all, the coup attempt has had a negative impact within the fragile transitional mechanisms. The little trust that was building within and among the government functionaries who belong to former warring parties has plummeted. The army has also seen far reaching changes within its high ranks.

PAMBAZUKA NEWS: What impact will these recent events have on the transitional process and the build up to elections next year?

JYK: Despite the hope it has inspired in the DRC and elsewhere, the current institutional framework, which is supposed to prepare the country for the promised free and open elections to be held by summer 2005 at the latest, remains very fragile. It is not easy to say with exactitude what will be the actual effect of these events. But one thing is for sure; the trust between the various elements in government has thinned.

In terms of the peace process, there should be mechanisms, including building of trust and an environment in which democratic elections can be held. It appears that there are certain elements who are keen to stall the process.
Cumulatively, the various incidents in the country such as the coup attempt, though isolated, may have the effect of undermining the process. Clearly, elections cannot be held under the current situation.

One reason that may be informing the current reticence is that if elections are held, it is unlikely that it will provide for a dispensation that ensures that the leaders of the various factions have a high office. For instance, there cannot be four Vice Presidents. What then will happen, will those who lose out stay in government? It is possible that the fear of losing such lucrative positions in the transitional government is behind efforts to slow or stall the march towards democratic elections.

PAMBAZUKA NEWS: Much has been written about the tensions between the DRC and Rwanda? Have the reasons for these tensions been dealt with and how much of a factor do Rwanda - and Uganda for that matter - remain in the DRC, especially in the east of the country?

JYK: It is evident that Rwanda is largely behind the instability in Eastern DRC. A number of reasons inform the stance taken by Rwanda to support rebellion in this region: Initially, after the genocide, Rwanda justified their invasion by saying that they were pursuing genocidaires from the Habyarimana government who were said to have sought refuge in the DRC.
Afterwards, their continued stay, incursions and support of rebels is justifiable by a different, yet subtle set of reasons.

First, The RPF government has conceived of its role in the region as that of a leader. Rwanda aspires to be a regional powerbroker and leader. These hegemonic aspirations necessarily presuppose a belligerent stance against its neighbours.

Secondly, and most importantly, is the question of territory. As a small country, Rwanda sees a major problem if the Banyamulenge who live in eastern DRC have to go back to Rwanda. It is therefore a question of territory. Before the genocide, Rwanda was, and still is, one of the most densely populated countries on the continent. Owing to displacements in the genocide, land is a major issue in Rwanda.

Thirdly, it is for economic reasons. Rwanda is involved in the plunder of resources in the DRC: diamonds, coltan, gold and timber. This was partially the reason why, having come into the DRC with Uganda as allies, they later fell out and engaged in armed combat in Kisangani. Rwandan citizens are said to control vast economic interests in eastern Congo. Rwanda considers that it has an obligation to protect its citizens in the DRC.

PAMBAZUKA NEWS: We read a lot in the press about the role and hard work of South Africa in brokering a peace deal in the DRC. But there has also been criticism from some quarters that the South Africans have papered over some issues, with the danger that the peace deal will not last. How do people in the DRC see South Africa's role and where have the South Africans gone wrong?

JYK: It is true that South Africa has been instrumental in putting in place the transitional government. Initially, people were very enthusiastic about its role in the DRC as the main engine driving the process.

Things have however changed. Firstly, there is a general feeling that it is not Congolese, or Rwandans who won the war (if the armed conflict can be considered as such), but South Africa. This is largely in economic terms. South African companies have since invested heavily in the DRC and are behind most explorations and other economic activities. Some even think that this could have been the driving force behind South Africa's fervent involvement in the process.

Secondly, South Africa, which should be concerned about the process they helped put in place, has not taken a stand on the incursions by Rwanda, and Rwanda's continued plunder of resources in the DRC and the commission of human rights violations against Congolese citizens. Congolese currently do not understand the role of South Africa anymore. South Africa seems to be eating from both tables: it gives the impression to Kinshasa that it is committed to the process yet maintaining a cozy relationship with Rwanda. They have failed to condemn the activities of Rwanda in eastern DRC.

PAMBAZUKA NEWS: What is the human rights situation like in the DRC at present?

JYK: There has been little change in the human rights situation in DRC even after the transition process started. There are still massive violations of human rights: killings, rape, torture. This is particularly prevalent in eastern DRC. In Kinshasa, the unrest resulting from the attempted coup also brought with it violations, involving government security forces and members of various former rebel groups. The socio-economic aspects of life have equally not ameliorated. Salaries have gone unpaid, the health and education sectors are in bad shape.

PAMBAZUKA NEWS: To what extent does the DRC still suffer from the legacy of history in terms of slavery, colonialism and the Cold War and to what extent are the DRC's richness in natural resources a contributing factor to the present day situation of the country?

JYK: DRC's fate is linked to the Leopoldian legacy and imperialism of former colonial masters. The DRC is a victim of its own abundance; looters have, over the years come and gone, having enriched themselves. Leopold, who considered DRC his personal property, then Belgians who plundered and left the country in a situation in which it could not govern itself.

This opened the door for looters who have plied the country at their will. The effects of the Cold War are still reverberating. The American support of Mobutu entrenched a despotic leadership that has seen the deterioration of the country, so rich yet so poor and at war with itself. Kabila, though initially with good intentions to remove Mobutu, soon fell into the same grave of plunder and misrule, especially after those who supported him to remove Mobutu. Uganda and Rwanda staked their claim to the riches of the DRC. This led to the war between Kabila and rebels supported by the two. Then they came in themselves. Cornered, Kabila sought help from Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia. The visitors on their part started to plunder to finance the war initiative. Then come South Africa.

It appears that all who come to the DRC, ostensibly to help her from its troubles, have their own reasons for doing so, the riches! Those who come to mourn and to condone with the DRC are, in the process eying, through their 'tears' what to take home with them!

PAMBAZUKA NEWS: How to end impunity in the DRC?

JYK: That is a question. The raging war that began in 1998 caused hundreds of thousands of deaths among the civilian population and led to scenes of extraordinary violence. The International Criminal Court has announced that it will formally take up the Congolese case, but it will be unable to prosecute more than a few of the key figures responsible for the crimes committed. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, one of the civilian institutions that emerged from the peace talks, is a different kind of instrument that focuses on forgiveness rather than punishment. We are therefore looking for a mechanism to address this issue.

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Emergency aid has arrived for Congolese refugees in northwestern Burundi, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on Friday. In a statement, the agency said some 34,000 Congolese refugees living in three Burundian border camps had received non-food and food items, including 15-day food rations, jerry cans, blankets, soap and other hygiene materials.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Burundi has stepped up efforts to improve conditions for Congolese refugees who have fled the eastern South Kivu Province following recent fighting there, the agency reported on Tuesday. The agency said it had received its largest group of Congolese refugees in recent days, bringing to 34,000 the number of those who had fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 9 June.

Amid recent killings and rapes by government and rebel soldiers in the eastern Congo, the decision by the International Criminal Court's (ICC) prosecutor to systematically investigate war crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could not be more timely, Human Rights Watch says. Luis Moreno Ocampo, the ICC prosecutor, on June 23, announced the beginning of this first-ever investigation by the prosecutor's office of this newly established court. Earlier this year, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) transitional government triggered the action by requesting the ICC prosecutor to investigate crimes in the Congo