UN envoy calls for tougher measures against FDLR

The United Nations Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Alan Doss, has called on Western countries to do more in apprehending several leaders of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) who move freely in several European capitals. Addressing the United Nations Security Council on Friday, Doss condemned continued attacks on civilians by FDLR. FDLR leaders like its Chairman Ignace Murwanashyaka and Executive Secretary Calixte Mbarushimana live in Germany and France respectively. Doss noted that FDLR continues to commit atrocities against Congolese civilians on a large scale and MONUC is currently exploring legal options for Member States to prosecute FDLR leaders in exile for illegal acts committed in the DRC. “More determined action against the FDLR leaders in exile is also essential in our view. These leaders, operating from abroad, continue to maintain contacts with commanders on the ground. We have reports from FDLR defectors that they are involved in planning operations.” “Targeted military pressure allied to an enhanced effort to attract new defections is needed to further reduce the capacity of FDLR, and to diminish the accompanying threat to civilian populations,” Doss said. Doss informed the Council that in North Kivu, the FDLR has been reduced to fairly isolated pockets in Rutshuru and Masisi territories, but significant numbers of combatants are still present in Walikale and Lubero territories where a string of particularly vicious attacks on locals has been observed. Doss added that South Kivu will be the decisive arena in the campaign against the FDLR. “Dismantling the FDLR will require an approach comprising of a combination of sustained military pressure and enhanced efforts and incentives to induce the younger elements of the FDLR to surrender.” The MONUC chief noted that the bulk of FDLR combatants are in seven of the eight territories of South Kivu, and stressed that dismantling them required a multi-dimensional approach that includes action against their leaders abroad. Ends

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UN envoy calls for tougher measures against FDLR