Peace Processes in Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Sudan: Department briefing

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International Relations

21 June 2006
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FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE; ECONOMIC AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE
21 June 2006
PEACE PROCESSES IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, BURUNDI AND SUDAN: DEPARTMENT BRIEFING

Chairperson:
Ms F Hajaig (ANC)

Documents Handed Out:
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) country profile
DRC Briefing notes: June 2006
Dar-es-Salaam agreement of principles for Burundi

SUMMARY
The Department of Foreign Affairs briefed the Committees on the peace processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and Sudan. Members were informed about the unstable political conditions in each of the countries. The Ambassador noted that South Africa had played a prominent role in electoral monitoring and mediation between factions. Neighbouring countries to the DRC and Burundi had an important role to play in resolving the conflicts. The Ambassador was optimistic about the upcoming elections in the DRC but noted that infrastructural development was urgently required.

Members found the briefing informative and useful for the upcoming electoral observer mission to the DRC. The prospect of a Reconciliation Commission in Burundi was helpful for the affected population but it had to be carefully administered. Members were concerned about religious fundamentalists in the Sudan.

MINUTES

Department of Foreign Affairs briefing

Ambassador Kingsley Mamabolo, Foreign Affairs Deputy Director-General: Africa, noted that the briefings were important for Members that were going on the electoral observer mission to the DRC. The Ambassador was pleased with the progress Burundi had made in the last few years. The rebel factions had signed an agreement that had been facilitated by South Africa. The peace process was mediated through a regional initiative, chaired by President Museveni from Uganda.

The success of the peace process had been demonstrated by the cooperation between the rebel factions, the elections and the drafting of a Constitution. The agreement dealt with political and military principles that created the possibility of a cease-fire and the cessation of hostilities. These objectives would be achieved by constructive military and political intervention in problematic areas such as ethnicity.

The socio-political issues would be addressed in a reconciliation commission. The returning rebel movement would be disarmed and steadily integrated into a national army. However the rebels continued to claim that the Tutsi ethnic group dominated the army. The initiation of these principles would create the modalities for lasting peace. The responsibility to facilitate the integration should be on one or two African countries. The finalisation of the agreement was planned to take place in two weeks. Issues that were still outstanding included the refugees from neighbouring countries, displaced persons within Burundi and the weak economy.

The Ambassador noted that the DRC had been engaged in conflict for the last 44 years. Despite the lawlessness and weak infrastructure, there was an upcoming election. The Constitution was accepted by eighty-four percent of the population and a transitional government existed that would continue until proper institutions were established.

South Africa was asked to help with supplying ballot papers. The elections were planned to take place on 30 July 2006 with thirty-three candidates running for president. Some parties would boycott the elections. South Africa was sending 128 national observers. The United Nations (UN) and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) were assisting the electoral process. South Africa was involved in training the police and counting the number of soldiers to help integration and stop corruption.

The problems in the DRC included the conditions in the eastern section where there were local and neighbouring rebel groups. The European Union (EU) and the United States were assisting with the training of the Congolese police. The Department was optimistic about the DRC despite the flaws in the infrastructure. The international community must recognise the elections as credible so that peace and stability can be sustained in the country.

The Ambassador stated that South Africa had signed a joint-commission agreement with Sudan to help cooperation between the two countries. South Africa was significantly involved in Sudan because of their Chairperson status in the committee to assess Sudan’s conflicts.

A comprehensive peace agreement was signed in the Sudan between the northern and southern parts of the country. The peace process will take six years to ensure coexistence or secession. The wealth of the country lay in the South. Unity between the factions had been problematic because of the continuing war and the reluctance of citizens to accept unity. It was the Sudanese government’s responsibility to unite the north and south.

South Africa was hopeful that the agreement would address the conflict in the Darfur region. Negotiations for peace had been taken place in Nigeria; however one rebel group had refused to sign the agreement. The Ambassador noted that the conflict was not strictly religious and had many other contributing factors. The Sudanese government had denied providing support to the Janjaweed rebel group. South Africa would support the peace process and persuade all groups to sign the agreement to avoid being listed as human rights abusers.

Discussion

Mr P Sibande (ANC) asked what contribution the neighbouring countries of Burundi, the DRC and Sudan had made to the peace process. He questioned the role of former colonisers in the affected countries. He queried the boycotts by some parties in the upcoming DRC elections and the consequent impact on the election results. He stated that the Sudanese president did not recognise UN assistance and wanted the African Union (AU) to resolve the conflict.

The Ambassador replied that the neighbouring countries were involved because it was an ethnic conflict that had spread over the border. He stated that cooperation between the countries was important because it would provide a solution to the conflict in Burundi and the DRC.

The parties that chose to boycott the elections would not gain support because citizens were tired of the prolonged conflict and wanted a solution.

Assistance from the UN was crucial because of the resources they could supply. The AU would provide assistance but could not contribute as much as the UN could. He stated that colonisers had had a negative impact on the history of the colonised countries. The role of the former colonisers was debatable but there were groups from the international community that had tried to benefit from the conflicts.

Mr M Skosana (IFP) stated that the reconciliation commission would produce good and bad results. The issue of reparations would be a problem; therefore the focus of the Commission’s assistance should be on poverty alleviation.

The Ambassador replied that the reconciliation commission process would be very long. The process would take time but it would be beneficial to society.

Mr M Ramgobin (ANC) disagreed with the Ambassador on the nature of the conflict in the Sudan. He stated the conflict was religiously motivated and that religious fundamentalism was a major problem facing reconciliation. He asked whether the role of China in the Sudan would be positive or negative for the peace process.

The Ambassador responded that the conflict in the Sudan was very complex. The conflict did not only involve one group against another but rather a number of opposing factions. He noted that there were aspects of fundamentalism in the Sudanese government. He stated that the role of China in Sudan was complicated and it was not determined yet whether their role would be positive or negative.

Dr P Mulder (FF) noted that the conflict in Burundi was a political and ethnic problem. He stated that solutions were not provided in the document.

The Ambassador responded that the ethnicity issue in Burundi was a serious problem but only the Burundians would be able to resolve their differences. South Africa was assisting in setting the “foundations” for a revised history for Burundi. He stated that a commission must be set up to discuss and correct the socio-political history.

Dr A Luthuli (ANC) questioned the health requirements observers would need to meet for their mission to the DRC.

The Ambassador stated that health requirements were very important for Members travelling to the DRC. Arrangements would be made before the observer team left.

Ms M Njobe (ANC) stated that electoral law had not existed in the DRC. She asked whether the law was now in place.

The Ambassador noted that the electoral law had been adopted. The first round of the electoral process would take place and if a candidate did not achieve a 51 percent majority, then a second round would take place with provincial elections.

Ms A Qikani (UDM) asked about the effects of the conflicts on women and children. She stated that voter registration did not exist in DRC and questioned the method for counting the votes.

The Ambassador replied that women’s groups had to be encouraged. He stated that certain groups were beginning to contribute to the peace process.

He conceded that voter registration did not exist in the DRC. Each province would have to account for its citizens. The government was trying to find a way for people to vote.

Mr B Mnyandu (ANC) was concerned about the conditions after the elections. He stated that the country would be extremely vulnerable and asked what support had been agreed upon for the period after the elections.

The Ambassador replied that the government had developed a national programme that dealt with post-conflict issues. South Africa provided inter-departmental assistance in the DRC.

He noted that foreign funding was important because the transitional government would not be able to cope with all demands. The Independent Electoral Commission and the UN would provide voter education for the Congolese.

The Chairperson stated that oil profits in southern Sudan had not been equitably distributed. She noted that no measurement was in place for how much oil was being sent to other countries.

The Ambassador responded that the state was taking charge of the mines and minerals in the country. He noted that foreign investors should partner with local industries.

He stated that the distribution of resources was dealt with in the peace agreement. The peace agreement encapsulated social, political and economic issues. He stated that institutions were not developed in southern Sudan but it was a work in progress.

The meeting was adjourned.


 

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