UN Rebel Mission Fails in DR Congo

The United Nations operations to stamp out Rwandese rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has failed ending up to a humanitarian crisis.

UN-backed military operations conducted by the Congo Army against the Rwandan-Hutu rebels to dismantle its political and military organization have failed. These are reports from the UN-mandated Group of experts investigating the violation of the arms embargo in Congo.

The rebels have continue to acquire more arms and seize more territories as they enjoy support from officials in the Congolese national army.

The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) fighters involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide have used networks in neighboring countries and Europe in recruiting its new forces and acquisition of arms.

The militia group controls the illegal gold and tin trade in the eastern part despite the army’s failed efforts to drive them out of the mines. Gold worth of millions find its way to the United Arab Emirates through neighboring Uganda and Burundi that help fund their resistance.

Despite the fact that some insurgents are laying down their weapons, the FDLR continues to actively recruit more Hutu fighters from both Congo and Rwanda.

Ethnic militias-the Mai Mai who claim to protect the natives have allied with FDLR against the army operations in the region. Earlier the UN suspended its support for the army units believed to be responsible for the 60- civilians killings during the operation to root out the Mai Mai.

Congo has been under civil war since independence over control of its vast minerals. This has claiming millions of lives and left scores of others in refugee camps. The just commenced trial of its two warlords at the ICC is expected to bring hope and justice to its citizens who are being faced with starvation and abject poverty. [ER]