DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Leaders of DRC appear to be engaged in truce talks but people of Congo are frustrated at government's inability to realise a lasting peace

Record ID: 349756

  • Title: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Leaders of DRC appear to be engaged in truce talks but people of Congo are frustrated at government's inability to realise a lasting peace
  • Date: 20th February 2003
  • Summary: (L!3) GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (RECENT)(REUTERS) **WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY** RCD (RALLY FOR CONGOLESE DEMOCRACY) REBEL SOLDIERS MARCHING VARIOUS OF CONGOLESE RALLY FOR DEMOCRACY (RCD) SOLDIERS MARCHING PAST WOMEN APPLAUDING IN THE CROWD SOLDIERS' BOOTS IN THE FOREGROUND AS OTHER SOLDIERS MARCH VARIOUS OF RCD OFFICERS SEATED ON A DAIS BAND PLAYING
  • Embargoed: 7th March 2003 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / GOMA, KINSHASA, BENI AND BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
  • Country: Congo, Democratic Republic of
  • Topics: Conflict,International Relations,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA8OFFH4HF210GB84AFMLHSRBU8
  • Story Text: As the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo appear to be engaging in truce talks many of the country's ordinary people say they are frustrated and angry about their government's inability to realise a peace which is lasting and tangible.
    In mid-December 2002, there was an upbeat mood in Goma, Eastern Congo. Just a day before national parade, a significant peace deal had been signed in Pretoria, South Africa. All of Congo's warring parties had agreed to form a transitional government in Kinshasa.
    The jostling for the best places had already begun. The Congolese Rally for Democracy, or RCD, controls large chunks of Eastern Congo and at the ceremony, the rebel group promoted many of its fighters. It was a strategy to ensure that the RCD takes up prime positions in a future unified Congolese army.
    "If they have signed with a truthful heart, then will encourage them," says Mamie Chumuombo a student. "But if it's only the hand which is signing, and the will is not there, then we don't want that."
    The new government should have been formed by the end of January 2003. But January has passed and nothing has happened.
    The euphoria felt initially by diplomatic and political stakeholders has been replaced by growing concern. In early February, Ketumile Masire, the mediator for the inter-Congolese dialogue, met with Louis Michelle, Prime Minister of Congo's former colonial ruler, Belgium.
    Masire had this to say: "we had hoped that by the 31st, we had hoped the 15th, then the 31st. And we still feel that it's not beyond possibility that we may hold the final meeting of the dialogue either late February or early March."
    Far from Congo's battlefields and conference halls, there is growing disillusionment in the capital Kinshasa. Any hopes that their leaders would relieve their daily struggles have been dashed.
    These men are very angry -- they have walked for more than ten kilometres to get to work. Taxis and minibuses are on strike, protesting against police harassment.
    "In a situation like this, having an irresponsible government is very sad," says Justine Milene. "Nothing good can come out of it. What I want is a responsible government, please!"
    Another angry man added: "These politicians don't want people to be happy. They are just busy building their homes and castles. All that on account of people's misery."
    Workers in one makeshift garage are sceptical that peace will return to Congo anytime soon. They barely have any work to do as few clients can afford their services.
    "We have wars everywhere because of our beloved politicians." says a Congolese mechanic. "They cannot reach a solution to put the country back on track because they are just following their own interest, and not the interest of the people of this country."
    In the main market of Kinshasa, transport problems and inflation have paralysed business for many vendors. Bomandeke Botume is mad about the situation, he says: " I can't even get decent shoes to put on! Look! Look how I mend them with pieces of fabric. We live in a so-called capital city. What capital city? We walk to come to town. We want a different breed of people to come and rule us now, so that we can find at least casual jobs."
    Bernadette Nkonda adds: "life is very difficult. Our children have become street children. They prefer to go away because there is no food in the house."
    Some people blame the international community. They feel that the power sharing deal was rushed and unrealistic. "We have the impression that it is all controlled by the foreigners. They come and tell us: 'well you'd better take it or leave it'." says Blaise Kamanga. "'If you don't take it, your country will become like Somalia, or like Afghanistan.
    We're ready to give you money, as long as you sign'. It is a shame, really!"
    The people of Kinshasa have good reasons to be cynical.
    Their leaders may be talking peace but the eastern part of their vast country is still in turmoil.
    Recently, two rebel factions the RCDML and the MLC clashed brutally in the town of Beni. Thousands fled the fighting carrying tales of cannibalism and other atrocities committed by MLC soldiers. These reports may jeopardize chances that Jean Pierre Bemba, leader of the MLC will become one of the vice presidents in the new government.
    Further North, in Bunia, the situation is just as explosive. The Hema and Lendu ethnic groups clash regularly over land ownership.
    Thousands of people from both communities have been displaced. They now depend entirely on food aid. Anastasia Irisi Warisi says: "the militias came here to kill the Lendus.
    They burnt our houses, looted our property and destroyed everything. That's why we decided to leave."
    Another matter of great concern is the continued involvement of foreign troops in Congo's conflict. Human Rights groups accuse Uganda of allying with rebels in order to keep plundering the rich natural resources of the Ituri region.
    The United Nations has also pointed a finger at the Rwandans, but Rwanda denies allegations that it soldiers are still operating in Congo.
    While ordinary Congolese continue their daily struggle, their leaders will meet soon to discuss the future constitution, the security of rebel leaders and an all-inclusive army.
    However, many residents still believe that unless the politicians suppress their selfish ambition and greed, Congo will not see lasting peace anytime soon.
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