12 03 14 : UN envoy urges rebels to ‘break away’ from armed groups

In a statement
from the mission, known by its acronym MONUSCO, Special Representative
Martin Kobler spoke directly to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation
of Rwanda known as FDLR.

“I urge all FDLR rebels
to immediately break away from their leaders who are being prosecuted by
justice, otherwise they will be forcibly disarmed,” he said, urging
rebels to join the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation,
reinsertion and reintegration (DDRRR) process.

The DRC has been torn apart by civil wars and factional fighting since it became independent from Belgium
in 1960, but with the support of a series of UN missions a measure of
stability has been restored to much of the vast country over the past
decade.

Mr. Kobler also welcomed the launch of the Congolese Armed Forces’
(FARDC) new operations against the FDLR and affiliated armed groups.
The offensive is supported by MONUSCO, which last year was authorized by
the Security Council to deploy an intervention brigade to carry out
targeted offensive operations, with or without FARDC, against armed
groups threatening peace in eastern DRC.

“The operations aim to neutralize the FDLR and their allies. They will
also help reestablish State authority, in accordance with our mandate to
protect civilians and our rules of engagement,” Mr. Kobler said.

The Security Council has
mandated MONSUCO to support Congolese authorities to protect civilians,
neutralize armed groups, and implement key reforms to consolidate peace
in the country, particularly in the area of security sector reform and
rule of law.