Mutiny in Eastern Congo, the EU concerned. Rwanda in ambush

(B2)" The EU strongly condemns the rebellion of certain elements of the Congolese army ". It is in these words that Catherine Ashton today (Thursday 7 June) condemned the mutiny in the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). The government of Congo has indeed been facing a rebellion in the army since the end of March, which began when the government wanted to arrest Bosco Ntaganda, a former rebel warlord who was integrated as an army general following a peace agreement in 2009. Ntaganda is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes.

The Congolese army has reportedly responded to the mutiny by killing more than 200 mutinous soldiers and seizing large stockpiles of weapons since the rebellion began, according to a government spokesman. In addition, 370 mutineers reportedly surrendered. " The EU strongly supports the DRC's ongoing efforts to end parallel chains of command in the FARDC simply commented the High Representative. More than 100 people have reportedly fled their homes in the area over the past two months.

Cooling of relations between Rwanda and the DRC

This mutiny resulted in an escalation of violence in the east of the country, on the border with Rwanda. Rwanda accused by several people, as reported by Human Rights Watch, of strongly supporting Ntaganda (see the article in Radio Okapi). " The recent cooperation between Rwanda and the DRC on this subject is necessary according to Catherine Ashton. " The EU is deeply concerned by the recent developments in Kivu and the deterioration of the security situation ". These events must be investigated and dialogue between the two countries must be maintained.