#Article (Archive)

DRC Have Suffered Enough!

Nov 26, 2009, 11:37 AM

It is reported that UN-backed operations against rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have failed.

The document, seen by the BBC, says mineral resources are being plundered with impunity and there has been a new surge of rapes and killings.

It says UN forces supporting Congolese government troops have failed to stop supply lines to Rwandan-Hutu rebels.

The BBC's East Africa correspondent Peter Greste says in many ways the report vindicates rights groups who have been criticising the Congolese government offensive against the rebels, known as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.

The dismal human rights situation in Democratic Republic of Congo shows no signs of improvement. The civil war continues unabated and the human rights situation is continually deteriorating; the civil population has been the ultimate victim. Something tangible must be done at all cost to free the innocent victims from the catastrophe they have been undergoing for so long.

Although it is said the UN has actively supported the operation as a way of stopping one of the most feared militias in a very bad neighbourhood, military operations have not succeeded in neutralising the FDLR and have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

The whole world should make sure that a strong and effective democratic process is established in that country; a functioning administrative structure that can address the issue of human rights abuse and make the country a competent state, and indeed a productive country.
The people of Democratic Republic of Congo have suffered enough!