Disarm Hema And Lendu
Jun 16, 2003
FRENCH TROOPS deployed in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, have clashed with the Lendu ethnic group.
FRENCH TROOPS deployed in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo, have clashed with the Lendu ethnic group. The French are leading an international force to help stabilise the situation in the embattled Ituri Province of northeastern DRC.
The multinational force, to consist of 1,400, is expected to ensure the protection of the Bunia airport and the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the camps in Bunia. This is a false start. First, there is need for a bigger force. Secondly, the force risks being accused of taking sides if its mandate is not immediately expanded to disarm the warring groups and demilitarise the whole of Ituri.
The French-led force needs to learn from the UPDF. It had to kick out Lendu militias and the Hema-led Union of Patriotic Congolese (UPC) out of Bunia. UPC took control of Bunia following the withdrawal of UPDF. If UPC’s hold on Bunia is not ended immediately, the Lendu will mistake the French to be collaborating with their enemies. No wonder, the Lendu shot at the French patrol over the weekend.
Soon reality will dawn on the multinational force. The age-old Hema-Lendu conflict will require policing by a large force. Not only that but the problem also calls for a robust mandate to disarm belligerents and demilitarise the area.
Ends
The multinational force, to consist of 1,400, is expected to ensure the protection of the Bunia airport and the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the camps in Bunia. This is a false start. First, there is need for a bigger force. Secondly, the force risks being accused of taking sides if its mandate is not immediately expanded to disarm the warring groups and demilitarise the whole of Ituri.
The French-led force needs to learn from the UPDF. It had to kick out Lendu militias and the Hema-led Union of Patriotic Congolese (UPC) out of Bunia. UPC took control of Bunia following the withdrawal of UPDF. If UPC’s hold on Bunia is not ended immediately, the Lendu will mistake the French to be collaborating with their enemies. No wonder, the Lendu shot at the French patrol over the weekend.
Soon reality will dawn on the multinational force. The age-old Hema-Lendu conflict will require policing by a large force. Not only that but the problem also calls for a robust mandate to disarm belligerents and demilitarise the area.
Ends