Submit this form
Home News Videos Music Photos Facebook Twitter Friends Newsletter Podcasts Mobile RSS
Opposition militias join army in Equateur province


Photo: Independent Electoral Commission (CEI)
Jean Pierre Bemba
KINSHASA, 29 March 2007 (IRIN) - Militias loyal to opposition leader Jean-Pierre Bemba have been integrated into the national army in Equateur province, in the northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), United Nations officials said.

Two hundred soldiers were signed up on Tuesday in Gbadolite, a spokesperson for the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUC), Lt Col Didier Rancher, said on Wednesday. Another 140 are expected to lay down their weapons soon.

A disused Coca-Cola factory used by Bemba's guards as a hiding-place for arms had also been secured, he added. At least 677 assorted weapons, several cases of ammunition and a number of vehicles were found in the factory.

However, despite this integration, analysts fear there could be a violent reaction by Bemba's men in Equateur, his stronghold. Fighting erupted between Bemba's guards and government forces in the capital, Kinshasa, from 22 to 25 March, when the army sought to disarm Bemba's militia.

The European Union and hospital sources put the death toll at between 200 and 500 people, but there has been no official word on the number of people killed.

"We are calling on all the parties to remain calm, in particular in Equateur [province], which we are commending for maintaining peace up to now," Kemal Saiki, MONUC spokesperson, said.

Meanwhile, at least 34 people have sought refuge at the MONUC compound in Kinshasa after their homes were destroyed during the fighting. MONUC is also taking care of the wives and children of some of those who surrendered, Rancher said.

"Discussions are going on between MONUC and army authorities and we hope that they will come up with a solution," Rancher said.

According to the Minister of Defence, Chikez Diemu, Bemba's guard comprises at least 1,200 men.

Related story

ei/aw/jn/mw


Related articles


  1. DR Congo: The country that knows how to beat Ebola (December 11, 2014)
  2. Denis Mukwege Wins Sakharov Prize 2014 (October 21, 2014)
  3. Ebola Epidemic Resurfaces in DR Congo's Equateur Province (August 25, 2014)
  4. New DR Congo amnesty law welcomed by UN envoys (February 5, 2014)
  5. Congo Army Takes Control of Mbuzi Hill From M23 Rebels (November 4, 2013)
  6. UN Security Council debate focuses on peace efforts for Africa's Great Lakes region (July 25, 2013)
  7. Thousands of Women March Against M23 Rebels in Kinshasa (November 24, 2012)
  8. At high-level meeting, Ban urges political solution to crisis in eastern DR Congo (September 27, 2012)
  9. Tshisekedi Says He Won, Can He Prove It? (December 17, 2011)
  10. Kabila Leads Partial Election Results (December 3, 2011)
  11. Candidates to Make Last Stand in Kinshasa before Monday's Election (November 26, 2011)
  12. European Union to observe presidential and legislative elections (October 19, 2011)
  13. 19,497 Candidates to Run for 500 Seats in Parliament (September 26, 2011)
  14. At least 50 Dead after Two Boats Collide on Ruki River (July 29, 2011)
  15. 31 Million Registered to Vote (July 20, 2011)
  16. Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in DR Congo (June 28, 2011)
  17. EU, DR Congo Sign Elections Funding Agreement (June 25, 2011)
  18. Rights Groups: Strengthen Civilian Protection Before Elections (June 9, 2011)
  19. Kabila, Sassou meet in Kinshasa over security (April 16, 2011)
  20. DR Congo Recalls Ambassador to Brazzaville (March 26, 2011)
  21. Parliament Approves Constitutional Amendments (January 16, 2011)
  22. UN Sanctions FDLR Leaders, CNDP Rebel Commander Integrated into Army (December 2, 2010)
  23. UN launches patrols to head off rebel violence during holiday season (December 1, 2010)
  24. Congo Defense Minister Rejects UN Allegations against Army (October 17, 2010)
  25. Rebel leader presumed responsible for mass rape arrested (October 5, 2010)
  26. UN DR Congo Report Exposes Grave Crimes (October 1, 2010)
  27. Parliament to Tackle Elections, 2011 Budget during September Session (September 14, 2010)
  28. UN says peacekeepers 'failed' DR Congo rape victims (September 7, 2010)
  29. Government Launches Investigation into Latest Boat Accidents (September 6, 2010)
  30. Key excerpts from UN report on Rwandan army genocide in DR Congo (August 27, 2010)


Live TV Congo Radio en ligne Radio
Available on App Store
Get it on Google Play



Contact Us | About Us | Édition en Français | French Edition

© CongoPlanet.com. All rights reserved.