GREAT LAKES: IRIN-CEA Update 1,049
DRC: Leaders agree on neutral African force
African leaders meeting in Tripoli, Libya, have agreed on the deployment
of a neutral African force in the DRC, according to a statement issued
after the discussions on Wednesday. The summit, chaired by Libyan leader
Colonel Muammar Gadaffi, brought together the presidents of Zimbabwe,
Mali, Rwanda, Uganda and representatives of Angola, the DRC, Namibia and
South Africa. The statement, carried by the Libyan news agency JANA, said
the purpose of the neutral force would be to "guarantee the borders of
Rwanda and Uganda" and assess the size of militia groups active in the DRC
- such as the Interahamwe - ahead of disarming and resettling their
members. Uganda and Rwanda would withdraw their troops from DRC in
accordance with the provisions of the Lusaka peace accord, as would other
foreign forces present in the country. Gadaffi was tasked with following
up the implementation of the agreement.
Speaking after the meeting, Gadaffi stressed its outcome would have an
immediate impact "because for the first time Rwanda and Uganda have agreed
to withdraw their forces and to recognise the DRC's sovereignty". He said
the work of bringing about national reconciliation could then begin.
Gadaffi added that the government representatives had the full authority
to speak on behalf of their respective countries.
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