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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

DRC: Bunia remains "unstable"

NAIROBI, 30 May 2003 (IRIN) - The security situation in Bunia, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), remains "unstable" although no fighting has been reported, the UN said on Thursday.

The deputy spokesman for the secretary-general, Hua Jiang, told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York that the UN Mission in the DRC, MONUC, was continuing efforts to restart negotiations between the Hema and Lendu militia groups fighting for control of Bunia. However, she said, no progress had yet been reported.

Jiang said that despite security being tightened at camps sheltering thousands of internally displaced people, continuing incidents of theft and human rights violations remained a major concern. A case of a 12-year-old girl being raped in front of her family had been reported, Jiang said.

The UN Security Council is considering a draft resolution presented by France on the authorisation of an emergency multinational force to be sent to Bunia. France has said it would lead the force as long as it has a clear UN mandate and that other countries also contributed. Several countries are reported to be considering sending troops or giving logistical support.

News agencies quoted the US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher as saying the Washington would consider requests for logistical and financial help but would not send personnel.

Theme(s): (IRIN) Conflict

[ENDS]

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