Refugees International: Articles: Release: Statement by Joel Charny on the Meeting Between President Bush and Congolese President, Joseph Kabila

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Release: Statement by Joel Charny on the Meeting Between President Bush and Congolese President, Joseph Kabila

10/26/2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Vanessa Parra, 202-828-0110 x225
vanessa@refugeesinternational.org

Statement by Joel Charny on the Meeting Between President Bush and Congolese President, Joseph Kabila
Vice President, Refugees International

"Refugees International applauds the efforts by President Bush to meet with the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Joseph Kabila, to discuss how best to respond to the current situation in one of Africa's most important countries. While much of Congo is gradually stabilizing in the aftermath of national elections last year, the situation in the east is grave, with continued fighting between government troops and the forces of Laurent Nkunda exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis and threatening regional stability, with thousands of refugees streaming over the border into Uganda."

"President Bush should urge President Kabila to use peaceful measures to resolve the conflict in the east before resorting to the use of force. If Congolese forces do launch a major offensive against the forces of Laurent Nkunda, the DRC Government bears primary responsibility for the protection of civilians in the vicinity of such actions. President Kabila must take all possible measures to limit civilian casualties and prevent further displacement."

"Beyond the present crisis in the east, President Kabila must make a concerted effort, in collaboration with international partners, to professionalize the Congolese army, the FARDC (Forces Armées de la République Democratique du Congo). Proper integration of all units and thorough training, including human rights training, should precede any further operational deployment of government forces. The regular and reliable payment of FARDC troop's salaries is an essential prerequisite for professional military behavior; this must be an immediate government priority. President Bush should offer more U.S. support to President Kabila's military and administrative reform efforts as a key component of enhanced bilateral assistance."

"The Democratic Republic of Congo has made great strides towards normalcy since the end of its civil war, including peaceful, democratic elections one year ago. The Bush administration should provide increased support to the country to consolidate peace and democracy and move the DRC towards a secure future. The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo should take ownership of the transition, uphold its responsibility to protect the civilian population from violence and commit to seeking a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in the east."

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the third largest country in Africa -- about the size of the eastern United States -- with an estimated population of 60 million. Four million people have died in the country since 1998 from war-related causes and another two million people remain displaced from their homes inside the country or as refugees in neighboring countries. Later this month, Refugees International will be returning to the DRC to assess the current security conditions in North and South Kivu on its 17th mission to the country in nine years.

Refugees International is a 28-year-old advocacy organization based in Washington, DC that advocates to end refugee crises.