Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has asked the Community of Sant’Egidio to sponsor an encounter in Rome, between representatives of the Congolese government and the leaders of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the main hutu rebel group present in east Congo, that has been for years a site of contempt between Rwanda and DRC.
The encounter in Rome would serve as a preparation for a summit meeting to follow in Kisangani, in northeastern Congo, between the two parties. The objective is to convince FDLR to comply with the request for disarmament, beginning with other groups that are active in east Congo, as well as the gradual return of its members to Rwanda. Last January, there was a ceasefire accord signed in Goma, by all the armed groups of Kivu (see Fides 24/1/2008) except the FDLR, who refused to comply with the terms of the accord.
According to the Congolese press, talks are underway and a delegation from the government of Kinshasa has gone to Rome, to the headquarters of the Community of Sant’Egidio, in order to discuss the conditions of the disarmament and the repatriation of the Rwandan hutu armed militants.
The Congolese delegation was also in contact with Rwanda, in regards to the situation. According to local press sources, the Rwandan rebels would comply with disarmament and repatriation, however under the following conditions: organization of an inter-Rwandan dialogue, guaranteed security in the process of repatriation, restoration to their previous faculties in the military, public administration, and/or civil life.
The presence of the Rwandan rebels is one of the largest obstacles in the stability of eastern Congo. Often times it has become a pretext, for both parties, to avoid any real commitment towards peace in the region. A just and equal solution to the problem would be a major step in guaranteeing a better future for the entire Great Lakes Region. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 11/3/2008 righe 27, parole 321)
