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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

DRC: Ministerial delegation pushes for national unity in Kisangani

KINSHASA, 22 December 2003 (IRIN) - A ministerial delegation of the political, defence and security commission of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) arrived on Monday in Kisangani, northeastern Congo, "carrying a message of hope and reconciliation across the country and gauging the state of national reunification at the provincial level", Azarias Ruberwa, one of the transitional government's four vice-presidents, told reporters.

The DRC was left devastated by nearly five years of war. Following the signing of a peace accord on 17 December 2002 in Pretoria, South Africa, a national unity government was inaugurated on 30 June this year. It is due to lead the country during a two-year transitional period culminating in nationwide democratic elections.

In addition to holding a meeting with provincial authorities on ways to improve security in the region, the delegation met with the federation of local merchants as well as with city judges, who have been participating in a nation-wide strike for over a month. It also held meetings with religious leaders, NGOs and military officers.

Finally, the delegation paid its respects to victims of a lightning storm that struck the city on 12 December, leaving five people dead and seven people hospitalised, DRC Human Rights Minister Madeleine Kalala told IRIN by telephone from Kisangani. The government has provided each of the survivors with US $250 to help cover medical costs.

The delegation was scheduled to continue its tour, travelling next to Mbuji-Mayi, in Kasai Oriental Province, and Kananga, in Kasai Occidental Province.

Themes: (IRIN) Conflict, (IRIN) Governance

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