BRIEFING

Weekly Briefing: 4TH – 10TH June 2014

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NEWS IN BRIEF

In DR Congo, ethnic tensions came to a head this week when a cattle dispute resulted in a violent night-time raid in Mutarule, South Kivu, leaving 38 dead, among them women and children. The massacre was met with both national and international consternation and representatives of the region, which many have fled, called for justice.

The international community increased its pressure on the FDLR rebels in DRC, granting them the opportunities for effective demobilisation and warning them of the consequences if this request was not met in a peaceful manner. A second wave of voluntary disarmament effectively took place in South Kivu.

Rwanda found itself facing criticism from many sides: the United States and rights organisation Human Rights Watch pointed out recent and ongoing detentions and arrests, and the DRC accused its neighbour of giving protection to M23 rebels.

With regard to the crisis in CAR, a UN report claims to have gathered ‘ample evidence’ to accuse both sides of the conflict of having committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The African Union readily supported the UN’s call for accountability and the need for a fitting judicial platform.

The ICC confirmed a total of eighteen charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda.

Conservationists have claimed one of their greatest successes in recent years following the unexpected decision by British oil company SOCO International to stop its oil exploration in the DRC’s Virunga National Park.

In London, a four-day Summit on ending sexual violence in conflict has taken a start on June 10.

IPIS’ Latest Publications

De Belgische ontwikkelingssamenwerking en fragiele staten: een kloof tussen beleid en praktijk? | May 2014 | 11.11.11 i.s.m. IPIS
Zo goed als de helft van de Belgische middelen voor ontwikkelingshulp gaat naar partnerlanden waar de overheid niet de capaciteit, wil en/of legitimiteit heeft om de publieke zaken efficiĂ«nt te beheren, voor veiligheid te zorgen en om de bevolking uit de armoede te halen. Omdat traditionele hulprecepten in deze ‘fragiele staten’ op hun limieten stuiten, is er de laatste decennia een internationaal beleid ontwikkeld dat een blauwdruk voorstelt voor een gedifferentieerde aanpak om deze landen te ondersteunen in het traject richting meer weerbaarheid. De Belgische ontwikkelingssamenwerking onderschrijft de internationale engagementen over fragiele staten die hieruit ontstonden, zoals de fragiele staten principes (FSP’s) en de New Deal. In 2013 werd er een Belgische strategienota voor fragiele situaties goedgekeurd. Positief is dat BelgiĂ« zich, ondanks de moeilijke context, rond dit thema blijft engageren – zowel op internationaal beleidsniveau als binnen haar eigen ontwikkelingsbeleid.

IPIS Insights: The EU draft law on conflict minerals due diligence: a critical assessment from a business & human rights standpoint | 30 April 2014 | IPIS
On the 5th of March 2014, the European Commission proposed a responsible trading strategy for minerals from conflict zones. The proposal took place within a specific and timely context. As IPIS has long documented, the exploitation of natural resources can have adverse human rights impacts. Businesses operating in conflict-affected or fragile regions should therefore ascertain whether their direct operations or their business relationships with other parties, including through their supply chains, have fueled or funded conflict and/or human rights abuse.

Business & Human Rights in Uganda: What’s on the Agenda? | 12 March 2014 | IPIS
A few days after attending the annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, IPIS Business & Human Rights Analysts Anna Bulzomi and Gabriella Wass boarded a plane to Kampala, Uganda, to run a two-day training with ActionAid Uganda for businesses and NGOs on “What does business & human rights mean, and how can we bring about a healthy relationship between the two?” This document summarises some thoughts and observations from our 19 participating organisations, as well as providing snapshots of the current relationship between business and human rights in Uganda.

IPIS Insights: Pentagon Accidentally Arms Al Qaeda Affiliate | 20 February 2014 | IPIS
A confidential report to the UN Security Council last week revealed that some of the weapons and ammunition to the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces appears to have been diverted to the Al Qaeda affiliate known as Al Shabaab.

Mapping Conflict Motives: the Sudan – South Sudan border (2012-2013) | 5 February 2014 | IPIS
In “Mapping Conflict Motives: the Sudan-South Sudan border”, IPIS analyses the conflict dynamics in the wider border area spanning Sudan and South Sudan. The analysis specifically looks into the motivations and interests of the parties involved in the interstate, intrastate and local conflicts in this area. Together with the report, a series of maps of the area of focus is available at www.ipisresearch.be/mapping/webmapping/bordersudans.

Boundary spanning: moving towards strategic stakeholder engagement | 3 February 2014 | IPIS
By Anna Bulzomi
To address complex human rights impacts, companies need to move away from responding to crises and work with communities towards creating shared value.

Conflict and security

Recent news on conflict, security and arms trade across the Great Lakes Region 
G-7 Declaration on on-Proliferation and Disarmament for 2014 | June 2014

Regional security infographic

West, North and Central Africa: Security Event Density Analysis weighted by fatalties (April 2014) | 9 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

West, North and Central Africa: Security Event Density Analysis (April 2014) | 9 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

London Summit on ending sexual violence in conflict

World leaders face pressure to act against sexual violence at UK summit | 9 June 2014 | Reuters
The kidnapping of 200 Nigerian girls and several recent horrific murders of women is expected to raise pressure on the world community to take concrete action to punish those responsible for sexual violence at a global summit in London this week.

Global Summit Spotlights Rape in War | 9 June 2014 | HRW
The London Summit on Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict is a landmark opportunity to strengthen global efforts to end rape in war, Human Rights Watch said today. Governments should use the summit, from June 10 to June 13, 2014, to make strong public commitments to end impunity for sexual violence, assist survivors, and prevent further rapes.

For rape survivors in my country, one London summit is not enough | 9 June 2014 | The Guardian
Publicity raised by William Hague and Angelina Jolie is a start. But the Congolese people need justice if they are to find peace.

Sexual violence in war: Summit begins in London | 10 June 2014 | BBC
A four-day summit on sexual violence in war has begun in London, hosted by UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and UN Special Envoy Angelina Jolie.

Summit Should Support Justice for Rape Victims | 10 June 2014 | HRW
The Democratic Republic of Congo and other governments attending the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict should make concrete commitments to justice for Congolese victims, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The Global Summit is being held in London from June 10 to 13, 2014.

DRC

FDLR demobilisation

International community grants opportunities, gives final warning
L’ONU soutient la reddition des FDLR | 4 June 2014 | BBC
La Mission de l’ONU en RĂ©publique dĂ©mocratique du Congo (Monusco) a annoncĂ© son soutien total Ă  la reddition des rebelles hutu rwandais. Elle souhaite crĂ©er toutes les conditions favorables au bon dĂ©roulement du processus, aprĂšs plusieurs Ă©checs.

Polémique autour du désarmement des FDLR | 4 June 2014 | Afrik.com
Depuis le 2 juin, cinq envoyés spéciaux de la Communauté internationale sont à Kinshasa. Ce mardi soir, ils ont exhorté les Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda à une reddition totale.

Une derniÚre chance accordée aux FDLR pour se rendre totalement | 5 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
M. Kobler – « La reddition des FLDR est leur derniĂšre chance » | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica | Le Potentiel
La reddition des combattants des Forces démocratiques pour la libération du Rwanda (FDLR) intéresse de plus en plus la Monusco qui a fait de la traque de ces rebelles Hutu rwandais sa priorité aprÚs la débùcle des miliciens du M23.

Joint Statement by the Special Envoys for the Great Lakes on the FDLR | 5 June 2014 | Reliefweb |  African Union, United Nations, US Department of State, European Union

Neutralisation des FDLR – Russ Feingold promet l’activation du plan B, en cas de rĂ©sistance Ă  la reddition | 6 June 2014 | allAfrica | Le Potentiel
Les Etats-Unis sont dĂ©terminĂ©s Ă  venir Ă  bout des rebelles des Forces dĂ©mocratiques pour la libĂ©ration du Rwanda (FDLR). Dans une confĂ©rence de presse, tenue hier jeudi Ă  la rĂ©sidence de l’ambassadeur des Etats-Unis en RDC, Russ Feingold, envoyĂ© spĂ©cial des Etats-Unis pour la rĂ©gion des Grands Lacs et la RDC, a lancĂ© une derniĂšre mise en garde Ă  ceux des FDLR, encore rĂ©ticents Ă  se rendre.

Kinshasa veut “donner une chance” au dĂ©sarmement volontaire des FDLR  | 7 June 2014 | Jeune Afrique
Le gouvernement congolais a indiquĂ© samedi qu’il voulait “donner une chance” au dĂ©sarmement volontaire des rebelles rwandais des FDLR prĂ©sents dans l’est de la RDC, remettant Ă  plus tard l’option d’une offensive militaire contre ce groupe.

FDLR : une délégation de la SADC en visite au Nord-Kivu | 7 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Désarmement des FDLR: Kinshasa apprécie le soutien de la Monusco et de la SADC | 7 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Une dĂ©lĂ©gation de la CommunautĂ© de dĂ©veloppement de l’Afrique australe (SADC) sĂ©journe au Nord-Kivu depuis le vendredi 6 juin. Elle a annoncĂ© que cette organisation rĂ©gionale allait bientĂŽt ouvrir Ă  Goma un bureau de liaison consacrĂ© spĂ©cialement Ă  la question des rebelles rwandais des FDLR.

A second wave of disarmament 
Rwandan rebel group says more will surrender in DR Congo | 6 June 2014 | Reliefweb | Agence France – Presse
A second wave of Rwandan rebels from a group linked to the 1994 genocide in their homeland will turn themselves in on June 9 in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a leader of the group said Thursday.

Nouvelle reddition de rebelles hutu rwandais en RDC (tĂ©moins) | 9 June 2014 | Reliefweb | Agence France – Presse
Plusieurs dizaines de rebelles hutu rwandais se sont rendus lundi dans l’Est de la RĂ©publique dĂ©mocratique du Congo en prĂ©sence d’observateurs internationaux, poursuivant un processus de dĂ©mobilisation amorcĂ© dix jours plus tĂŽt, ont indiquĂ© des tĂ©moins.

DeuxiÚme étape du désarmement des FDLR | 9 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
En RĂ©publique dĂ©mocratique du Congo, dix jours aprĂšs une premiĂšre sĂ©rie de cent redditions, c’est au Sud-Kivu que les rebelles hutus rwandais des Forces de libĂ©ration dĂ©mocratiques du Rwanda (FDLR) ont commencĂ©, ce lundi 9 juin, Ă  dĂ©poser leurs armes. Un dĂ©sarmement attendu depuis des mois et qui se fait par Ă©tapes, mais la RDC et les Nations Unies se veulent optimistes.

84 rebelles des FDLR et 225 de leurs dépendants se rendent à Kitogo | 9 June 2014 | allAfrica | Le Potentiel
Environ Quatre vingt-quatre (84) rebelles des Forces démocratiques pour la libération du Rwanda (FDLR) et deux cent vingt-cinq (225) de leurs dépendants se ont fait leur acte de reddition à Kitogo dans le territoire de Mwenga en province du Sud-Kivu.

RDC: les FDLR sollicitent l’appui de la SADC pour un dialogue franc avec Kigali | 9 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Les rebelles des Forces dĂ©mocratiques pour la libĂ©ration du Rwanda (FDLR) veulent retourner dans leur pays par le processus de dialogue et pas celui du dĂ©sarmement. Ils ont livrĂ© leur position, lundi 9 juin, Ă  la dĂ©lĂ©gation de la CommunautĂ© des Etats de l’Afrique australe (SADC) en visite Ă  Kanyabayonga (Nord-Kivu) oĂč sont regroupĂ©s une centaine de FDLR qui se sont rendus Ă  la fin du mois de mai.

Des rebelles FDLR s’engagent pour la paix dans l’Est de la RDC | 10 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Les quatre-vingt-quatre rebelles rwandais des Forces dĂ©mocratiques pour la libĂ©ration du Rwanda (FDLR), qui se sont rendus samedi dernier Ă  Kigogo (Sud-Kivu) se disent dĂ©terminĂ©s Ă  contribuer au retour de la paix Ă  l’Est de la RDC et dans la rĂ©gion des Grands Lacs en gĂ©nĂ©ral. Ils ont fait cette dĂ©claration lundi 9 juin dans cette localitĂ© du territoire de Mwenga lors de la cĂ©rĂ©monie du dĂ©sarmement volontaire de ces rebelles, en prĂ©sence des ambassadeurs des pays membres de la CommunautĂ© de dĂ©veloppement de l’Afrique australe (SADC) et de la Monusco.

Les femmes du Nord-Kivu s’opposent au cantonnement des FDLR en RDC | 8 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Les Associations fĂ©minines du Nord-Kivu sont opposĂ©es au cantonnement des rebelles des Forces dĂ©mocratiques pour libĂ©ration du Rwanda (FDLR) sur le territoire congolais. Dans une dĂ©claration rendue publique vendredi 6 juin Ă  Goma, ces femmes affirment que ces rebelles rwandais commettent de diverses exactions contre des populations civiles de l’Est de la RDC. Elles souhaitent donc qu’ils soient renvoyĂ©s dans leur pays aprĂšs leur reddition.

The FDLR demobilisation gamble reloaded | 10 June 2014 | Christoph Vogel | Eyes Wide Open
On 30 May and 9 June, respectively, FDLR organised the demobilisation of a larger number of combatants in Kateku/Buleusa (Walikale territory, North Kivu) and Kitogo (Mwenga territory, South Kivu). The locations roughly represent the militia’s current geographical distribution, with its North Kivu Brigade mostly situated in Lubero and at the margins of Walikale, Rutshuru, and Masisi territories, while the South Kivu Brigade is concentrated in southern Mwenga territory, more precisely at the Plateau Itombwe (for a more or less current overview on that, see here).

North Kivu

Nord-Kivu: des groupes armés gÚrent des zones entiÚres à Rutshuru, selon la société civile | 8 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Le président de la société civile de Rutshuru, Jean-Claude Mbabaze, accuse les groupes armés de commettre de diverses exactions contre la population civile dans ce territoire du Nord-Kivu.

Virunga – HRW emphasizes safety oil critics
HRW dénonce les violences contre les gardiens du parc de Virunga | 4 June 2014 | Afrik.com
HRW: Critics of DRC Oil Plans Threatened | 4 June 2014 | Voice of America
A rights group said park rangers and environmental activists in the DRC are receiving death threats, after criticizing plans for oil exploration. Human Rights Watch said a British firm plans to explore for petroleum near and within Virunga National Park.

Investigate Attacks on Oil Project Critics | 4 June 2014 | HRW
Democratic Republic of Congo authorities should fully and impartially investigate threats and violence against Virunga National Park rangers and local activists, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should examine whether the incidents are linked to plans to explore for oil within and near Virunga Park by SOCO International, a British oil company operating in eastern Congo.

Kinshasa appelĂ© Ă  enquĂȘter sur les attaques contre les dĂ©fenseurs du parc des Virunga | 5 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Human Rights Watch demande aux autoritĂ©s de la RĂ©publique dĂ©mocratique du Congo de mener des enquĂȘtes approfondies et impartiales sur les menaces et les violences Ă  l’encontre des gardes de parc travaillant dans le parc national des Virunga, y compris les activistes locaux.

South Kivu

Cattle dispute results in ethnic raid

Many killed in ethnic raid | 7 June 2014 | BBC
Dozens killed in massacre in eastern Congo | 8 June 2014 | Reuters
Dozens killed in DRC over ‘stolen cattle’ | 8 June 2014 | Al Jazeera
Dozens dead after cattle dispute in Democratic Republic of Congo | 9 June 2014 |  CNN
U.N. peacekeepers and troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo are trying to bring peace to an eastern Congo town where a cattle-rustling dispute led to the deaths of 30 people.

38 personnes tuĂ©es dans des violences ethniques Ă  l’est | 10 June 2014 | Afrik.com
38 killed in DR Congo ethnic violence: government | 10 June 2014 | Reliefweb | Agence France-Presse
A total of 38 people died in ethnic violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo at the weekend, many massacred when a church was set ablaze, the government said Tuesday.

Responses to massacre
UN peacekeepers in eastern DR Congo help restore calm after inter-ethnic violence flares | 7 June 2014 | UN News
Strongly condemning the fresh outbreak of deadly violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sparked by a dispute over cattle, the head of the United Nations mission there has called for an immediate end to the fighting and has deployed UN peacekeepers to work alongside local authorities to help restore calm.

Martin Kobler, le chef de la MONUSCO, condamne les rĂ©centes violences inter-communautaires au Sud-Kivu et demande un arrĂȘt immĂ©diat des affrontements | 7 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Des combats
violents ont opposĂ© la nuit derniĂšre les communautĂ©s Bafuliru et Barundi/Banyamulenge dans la rĂ©gion d’Uvira, au Sud-Kivu. Ces affrontements inter-ethniques ont fait de nombreuses victimes. Une trentaine de morts et une quinzaine de blessĂ©s ont Ă©tĂ© dĂ©nombrĂ©s. « Ces violences sont inacceptables et doivent immĂ©diatement prendre fin », a affirmĂ© Martin Kobler, le chef de la MONUSCO.

Mutarule inhabitants flee the region, call for justice
AprĂšs l’assassinat de 30 personnes, Mutarule se vide de sa population | 9 June 2014 | allAfrica | Le Potentiel
Mutarule, une localitĂ© situĂ©e Ă  9 km de la citĂ© de Sange (Sud-Kivu), s’est vidĂ©e de sa population. Une situation consĂ©cutive au crime perpĂ©trĂ© contre les habitants de cette partie de la province du Sud-Kivu dans la nuit de vendredi Ă  samedi 7 juin, par des hommes armĂ©s non autrement identifiĂ©s. Selon des sources religieuses sur place relayĂ©es par radiookapi.net, trente personnes ont Ă©tĂ© tuĂ©es et vingt-quatre autres blessĂ©es, au cours de l’attaque perpĂ©trĂ©s par des forces nĂ©gatives encore actives dans cette zone. Le mobile de l’attaque intervenue aux environs de 21 heures n’est pas encore connu.

Massacre de Mutarule – Les Ă©lus du Sud-Kivu rĂ©clament des investigations sĂ©rieuses 10 June 2014 | allAfrica | Les dĂ©pĂȘches de Brazzaville
Une commission d’enquĂȘte parlementaire a Ă©tĂ© mise sur pied Ă  l’AssemblĂ©e nationale pour tenter d’Ă©lucider les circonstances de ces tueries et une autre devra Ă©galement se rendre sur place dans les prochains jours pour exprimer la compassion des Ă©lus nationaux aux familles des victimes.

Sud-Kivu: funĂ©railles sous tension des victimes de l’attaque de Mutarule | 8 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Les habitants de Mutarule dans le groupement de Luberizi dans la plaine de la Ruzizi au Sud-Kivu ont enterré, dans un climat tendu ce dimanche 8 juin, leurs proches tués par des hommes armés vendredi. Le nombre des victimes a été revu à trente-six morts.

RDC: massacre de Mutarule, deux suspects aux arrĂȘts | 9 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Un responsable de la jeunesse et un officier militaire ont Ă©tĂ© interpellĂ©s, dimanche 8 juin, aprĂšs que des hommes armĂ©s non identifiĂ©s ont tuĂ©, dans la nuit du vendredi au samedi, 34 personnes et blessĂ© 25 autres, dans les localitĂ©s de MutarulĂ©, Nyamugali et Katekama, en territoire d’Uvira (Sud-Kivu). Le premier est poursuivi pour des dĂ©clarations qu’il a faites avant le massacre et le second est accusĂ© par son chef hiĂ©rarchique d’«abstention d’agir».

Massacre de Mutarule : les dĂ©putĂ©s du Sud-Kivu rĂ©clament une commission d’enquĂȘte parlementaire | 10 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Le caucus de dĂ©putĂ©s du Sud-Kivu rĂ©clame l’envoi d’une commission d’enquĂȘte parlementaire dans le territoire d’Uvira pour faire la lumiĂšre sur le massacre d’une trentaine de personnes dans la nuit de vendredi Ă  samedi 7 juin Ă  Mutarule.

Sud-Kivu : les notables de Mutarule sollicitent l’appui sĂ©curitaire de la Monusco | 11 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Les chefs locaux demandent à la Monusco de protéger la population de la localité de Mutarule, située dans le groupement de Luberizi dans la plaine de la Ruzizi (Sud-Kivu).

Burundian army denies presence

L’armĂ©e burundaise dĂ©ment toute prĂ©sence en RDC | 8 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
Vendredi 6 juin 2014, l’organisation congolaise Journaliste en danger a accusĂ© de prĂ©sumĂ©s militaires burundais d’avoir menacĂ© deux journalistes congolais de Radio Ondes FM Ă©mettant depuis Kiliba, Ă  quelques 110 km de Bukavu, le chef-lieu de la province de Sud Kivu de la RDC. Les journalistes congolais enquĂȘtaient sur une formation militaire que des jeunes du parti au pouvoir au Burundi suivraient dans cette zone de l’est congolais.

Province Orientale

Une ONG recense 160 cas de viols à Wamba et Mambassa depuis avril dernier | 4 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Ces 160 cas de viols à Wamba et Mambassa qui inquiÚtent | 5 June 2014 | Afrik.com
L’ONG Groupe des pionniers pour le dĂ©veloppement (GPD) a rapportĂ© que les MaĂŻ-MaĂŻ, anciennement sous les ordres du feu chef Morgan, ont violĂ© 160 femmes, depuis le mois d’avril Ă  ce jour. La GPD informe que ces miliciens retiennent prisonniers plus de 200 personnes. 125 hommes seraient ainsi retenus de force pour transporter les biens acquis lors des pillages, 80 femmes sont, quand Ă  elles, retenus en otage.

Jean Bamanisa compte sur la Monusco pour neutraliser les groupes armés en Province Orientale | 6 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Le gouverneur de la Province Orientale, Jean Bamanisa SaĂŻdi, sollicite l’implication de la Mission de l’Onu pour la stabilisation en RDC (Monusco) pour traquer les groupes armĂ©s, encore actifs, notamment dans les districts de l’Ituri et du Haut UelĂ©.

Ituri : 2 enfants tués dans une attaque armée à Tchayi | 7 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Deux enfants ont Ă©tĂ© tuĂ©s et une femme griĂšvement blessĂ©e lors de l’attaque dans la nuit de vendredi 6 juin par des hommes armĂ©s au village de Tchayi, situĂ© Ă  15 kilomĂštres au Sud de Bunia (Province Orientale). Des sources locales soupçonnent les miliciens de la FRPI de Cobra Matata d’ĂȘtre les auteurs de cette attaque. Des allĂ©gations rejetĂ©es par le chef d’Etat-major de cette milice, Mbadu Adirodu.

20 personnes enlevées par des hommes armés à Salaté | 8 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Des hommes armés ont enlevé et ramené dans la brousse vingt personnes dans la nuit du vendredi 6 juin à Salaté, village est situé à environ 270 km au sud-ouest de Bunia, dans le territoire de Mambasa (Province Orientale).

Katanga

Katanga: les miliciens Maï-Maï ont incendié plus de 800 maisons à Pweto en mai dernier | 6 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Katanga : les FARDC appellent les populations de Pweto et Mitwaba au calme | 9 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Les miliciens MaĂŻ-MaĂŻ ont incendiĂ© environ 870 maisons dans une dizaine de localitĂ©s de la chefferie Mwenge, en territoire de Pweto , entre les 7 et 8 mai derniers. Cette information est confirmĂ©e, vendredi 6 mai Ă  Lubumbashi par des sources tant officielles qu’indĂ©pendantes. Ces sources indiquent Ă©galement que le chef de guerre Kyungu Mutanga GĂ©deon est rĂ©apparu, le 23 mai dernier, au village Kapangwe dans le groupement de Kyona Nzini, toujours dans la province du Katanga.

Rwanda

HRW, US criticize Rwanda over detentions and arrests, disappearances

State Dept. On Ongoing Detentions and Arrests in Rwanda | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | US Department of State
U.S. criticizes Rwanda over disappearances, press freedom | 4 June 2014 | Reuters
The United States expressed deep concern on Wednesday over the arrest and disappearance of dozens of Rwandans over the last two months, including people held up to two months without being charged or allowed to communicate with their families.

Rwandan reactions to criticism
In the Skewed World of HRW, the Killers Become the Victims | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | New Times
On Monday, the Ministry of Justice took the unusual step of washing dirty linen in public- mind you not its own (linen) but rather Human Rights Watch’s.

False Claims Only Embolden FDLR, Warns Mushikiwabo | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | New Times
The government has said nothing will hold it back in the defence of its population as new threats emerge in the northern parts of the country.

Rwanda Ponders Own Security While FDLR Remains a Strategic Threat | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica | African Arguments
In April 2014, the world began its 20th commemoration of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. The Rwandan government has billed this year’s event as one of Kwibuka (Kinyarwandan for ‘remembrance’).

The Govt Is Answerable to Its Citizens | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica | New Times
When the government was taking oath of office, it swore to provide the basic needs of citizens, ensure sovereignty and maintain peace and tranquility needed for the citizens to live and prosper.

Le prĂ©sident Kagame menace ceux qui s’en prennent au Rwanda | 6 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
Le prĂ©sident Kagame est sorti de son silence aprĂšs les accusations des Etats-Unis et de l’organisation de dĂ©fense des droits de l’homme Human Rights Watch. Washington avait dĂ©noncĂ© avec des mots trĂšs durs les arrestations arbitraires, les disparitions et les atteintes aux libertĂ©s au Rwanda. Devant les habitants du district de Nyabihu dans le nord ouest du pays, Paul Kagame a balayĂ© ces accusations, et encore une fois, il n’a pas mĂąchĂ© ses mots.

Paul KagamĂ© menace les dĂ©stabilisateurs d’ĂȘtre “tuĂ©s en plein jour”  | 6 June 2014 | Jeune Afrique
La rĂ©ponse de Paul KagamĂ© au dĂ©partement d’État amĂ©ricain, qui s’est dit mercredi inquiet des arrestations arbitraires au Rwanda, n’a pas tardĂ©. Le chef de l’État a rejetĂ© les critiques tout en menaçant les dĂ©stabilisateurs d’ĂȘtre “tuĂ©s en plein jour”.

Northern Province Leaders Apologise for Insecurity in the Region | 6 June 2014 | allAfrica | News of Rwanda
Local leaders in the Northern Province have apologized to President Kagame for their hand in the recent insecurity threats that hit the region.

Les réactions sont nombreuses aprÚs les propos de Paul Kagame | 7 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
Au Rwanda, il y a eu de nombreuses rĂ©actions aprĂšs les propos tenus jeudi 5 juin 2014 par le prĂ©sident Paul Kagame. Devant les habitants du district de Nyabihu, dans le nord-ouest du pays, le chef de l’Etat s’est dit prĂȘt Ă  continuer d’arrĂȘter et mĂȘme Ă  tuer en plein jour ceux qui menaceraient la sĂ©curitĂ© du pays. Paul Kagame a aussi appelĂ© la population Ă  dĂ©noncer ceux qui, parmi eux, chercheraient Ă  dĂ©stabiliser le pays.

Acting Against Terrorists Is Not Abuse of Human Rights | 8 June 2014 | allAfrica | New Times
While addressing residents of the Northern and Western provinces in Nyabihu District last week, President Paul Kagame said those who compromise the security of Rwanda will be dealt with decisively. Unsurprisingly, news headlines wasted no time ignoring the context and spinning the message to reflect their favorite accusations.

Rwanda accused of protecting M23 rebels 

Kinshasa accuse Kigali de freiner le processus d’amnistie des ex-M23 rĂ©fugiĂ©s sur son sol | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | Le Potentiel
Le gouvernement congolais accuse le Rwanda de refuser de recevoir sur son sol la dĂ©lĂ©gation congolaise qui doit remettre des formulaires de demande d’amnistie aux ex-M23 ayant trouvĂ© refuge au Rwanda, a-t-on appris de source crĂ©dible.

Rwanda ‘protecting M23 DR Congo rebels’  | 5 June 2014 | BBC
The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of “protecting” M23 rebel leaders wanted for war crimes.

M23: AprĂšs la dĂ©faite… | 6 June 2014 | BBC
AprĂšs la dĂ©faite du M23 l’an dernier, la question de l’amnistie de ces ex-rebelles divise Kigali et Kinshasa. AccusĂ© de crimes de guerre et de crimes contre l’humanitĂ©, la plupart de ces anciens mutins vivent dans un camp au Rwanda. Mais Kigali refuse de les remettre Ă  la RDC. Maud Jullien notre correspondante a visitĂ© ce camp.

Central African Republic

Let Muslims Seek Safety | 5 June 2014 | HRW
Government authorities in Central African Republic and international peacekeepers should allow Muslim residents to seek protection in neighboring countries. Many Muslim residents living in a few heavily guarded areas endure unsustainable, life-threatening conditions and say they want to leave.

International peacekeeping forces in CAR
Les soldats de Sangaris rentrent en France dÚs le 15 septembre | 6 June 2014 | Afrik.com
Premiers retours en France des soldats de Sangaris en septembre prochain | 10 June 2014 | allAfrica | Les dĂ©pĂȘches de Brazzaville
French troops to start Central Africa withdrawal in September | 6 June 2014 | RFI
French troops should start pulling out of the violence-ravaged Central African Republic (CAR) on 15 September, the general in charge of the Sangaris operation said on Friday. Despite protests against them in Bangui, he insisted his soldiers are “appreciated by the population”.

Le Burundi va déployer 730 hommes supplémentaires | 5 June 2014 | Afrik.com
Le Burundi s’est dit prĂȘt Ă  dĂ©ployer un contingent supplĂ©mentaire de 730 soldats et policiers qui viendront renforcer ses effectifs de 850 hommes dĂ©jĂ  prĂ©sents en en Centrafrique.

Anti-balaka – ex-Seleka confrontation in Ouaka
Ouaka : affrontements meurtriers entre Antibalaka et ex-Séléka | 4 June 2014 | Hirondelle | Radio Ndeke Luka
Alors qu’un calme relatif semble rĂ©gner Ă  Bangui, la capitale centrafricaine, aprĂšs l’attaque de la semaine derniĂšre contre une Ă©glise catholique, la prĂ©fecture de la Ouaka, dans le centre du pays, a Ă©tĂ© lundi le thĂ©Ăątre d’affrontements meurtriers entre Antibalaka et ex-SĂ©lĂ©ka.

Ex-Seleka
Fortes dissonances au sein de la Seleka | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
En RCA, des discordances apparaissent au sein de l’Ă©tat-major de l’ex-Seleka crĂ©Ă© il y a moins d’un mois, le 11 mai. Le patron de la branche militaire, Joseph Zoundeko, dĂ©ment les propos de son propre porte-parole qui dĂ©fend un cadre historique du mouvement.

Interrogations autour du rÎle et des intentions de la Seleka | 6 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
En RCA, la prĂ©sidence centrafricaine rĂ©agit Ă  la rĂ©organisation de la Seleka. Lors d’un congrĂšs Ă  NdĂ©lĂ©, le mouvement a annoncĂ© la crĂ©ation d’une coordination politique et d’un Ă©tat-major basĂ©s Ă  Bambari.

UN: both sides guilty of war crimes
Foxes Guarding a Hen House | 5 June 2014 | Foreign Policy
A new U.N. report reveals that peacekeepers sent to the Central African Republic took sides in the conflict.

Central African Republic crisis: War crimes committed – UN | 6 June 2014 | BBC
A UN report says there is “ample evidence” that both sides in the conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR) have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Ex-SĂ©lĂ©ka et anti-balaka ont commis des crimes contre l’humanitĂ©, selon l’ONU | 6 June 2014 | Jeune Afrique
Mise en place en janvier, une commission d’enquĂȘte internationale sur la Centrafrique a remis jeudi son premier rapport au Conseil de sĂ©curitĂ© de l’ONU. Elle accuse l’ex-rĂ©bellion SĂ©lĂ©ka et les anti-balaka d’avoir commis des crimes contre l’humanitĂ© dans le pays.

New Plan to End Conflict | 6 June 2014 | allAfrica | Deutsche Welle
The UN has accused both sides in the conflict in the Central African Republic of committing crimes against humanity. Meanwhile the government has come up with a four-point plan to restore peace and stability.

AU backs call for accountability in Central African Republic | 7 June 2014 | Reuters
The African Union on Friday backed a U.N. inquiry call for the Security Council to consider creating a tribunal to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both sides in Central African Republic’s ethnic and religious violence.

Voluntary disarmament in Bangui
Désarmement à Bangui | 7 June 2014 | BBC
Le gouvernement centrafricain annonce qu’il va lancer dimanche une opĂ©ration de dĂ©sarmement volontaire, Ă  Bangui, la capitale du pays.

Une campagne de désarmement volontaire organisée à Bangui | 8 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
A Bangui, Ă  partir de ce dimanche, les civils qui possĂšdent des armes sont invitĂ©s Ă  les dĂ©poser Ă  leur mairie d’arrondissement. Cela concerne aussi les habitants de Bimbo et Begoua aux sorties sud et nord de la capitale. Hier, le Premier ministre AndrĂ© NzapayĂ©kĂ© s’est rendu dans plusieurs de ces mairies de quartiers pour rencontrer les habitants et leur expliquer son initiative.

Centrafrique : timide collecte d’armes Ă  Bangui | 8 June 2014 | Jeune Afrique
Bilan mitigĂ© pour l’opĂ©ration de dĂ©sarmement Ă  Bangui | 9 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
En Centrafrique, ce dimanche 8 juin les habitants de Bangui Ă©taient invitĂ©s Ă  se rendre dans toutes les mairies d’arrondissement pour y dĂ©poser leurs armes.

1ers rĂ©sultats de dĂ©sarmement – La chronique d’un Ă©chec annoncé | 9 June 2014 | allAfrica | Le Pays
Pour plusieurs raisons, cette opération de désarmement ne peut aboutir.

CAR calls for rearmament of national army
Les Centrafricains veulent le réarmement de leurs soldats | 7 June 2014 | Jeune Afrique
L’armĂ©e centrafricaine toujours privĂ©e d’armes | 10 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
A Bangui, les armes sont partout, sauf dans les casernes. Les FACA – les Forces armĂ©e centrafricaines – ont Ă©tĂ© dĂ©sarmĂ©es par les Seleka et l’embargo de l’ONU interdit toujours de rĂ©armer les soldats centrafricains. Les autoritĂ©s de transition essaient d’obtenir la levĂ©e de cette interdiction.

Humanitarian news

Non-comprehensive overview of humanitarian news & events, including refugee and IDP issues

DRC

Humanitarian bulletins
Bulletin d’Information Humanitaire – Province du Sud-Kivu N° 20/14, 3 juin 2014 | 5 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Bulletin d’Information Humanitaire – Province Orientale N°20/14, 5 juin 2014 | 5 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Bulletin d’Information Humanitaire – Province du Katanga N° 18/14, 04 juin 2014 | 6 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

IDPs
IDP Settlement in Boga, Province Orientale, Democratic Republic of Congo (as of 3 Jun 2014) | 4 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UNOSAT
IDP Settlement in West Geti, Province Orientale, Democratic Republic of Congo (as of 3 Jun 2014) | 4 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UNOSAT

UNOSAT analysis confirms rapid increase of internally displaced in DR Congo | 8 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UNOSAT
Recent satellite imagery analysed at UNOSAT confirms the increase in the number of IDPs in eastern DR Congo. According to figures released by OCHA, in only four months 100,000 more people have become in need of humanitarian assistance after they were displaced by the conflict in DRC. UNOSAT says their analysis shows several changes and new settlements that are consistent with a sustained influx of people in several areas in the eastern provinces.

Assessing the needs of persons with disability in camps | 6 June 2014 | Reliefweb | Christian Blind Mission
On 21 May 2014, CBM went to Maluku transit camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo to assist the Ministry of Social Affairs and the IOM in identifying the needs of persons with disabilities within the camp.

Refugees returning from South Sudan
UNHCR bracing for return of Congolese refugees | 9 June 2014 | Reliefweb | UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Dungu, district of Haut-Uele, Eastern Province, noticed since early 2014, a flow of Congolese refugees returning home from Makpandu camp, in the South Sudan, about 60 Km away from the Congolese border.

Rwanda

UNHCR Commends Rwanda’s Hospitality Towards Refugees | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | New Times

Rwanda Treats Refugees With Unmatched Generosity – UNHCR Official | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | News of Rwanda
The Rwandan Government has been commended for the ‘unmatched’ generosity it exhibits when it comes to solving issues of refugees, outgoing UNHCR Country Representative Neimah Warsame has said.

Rwanda Commits to Ending GBV in Refugee Camps | 6 June 2014 | allAfrica | New Times
The government of Rwanda will continue to make efforts aimed at eliminating gender-based violence (GBV) and other forms of violence in refugee camps as a way of ensuring refugee safety and welfare, the Minister for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, Seraphine Mukantabana, has said.

How One-Stop Centres Help Fight Gender Violence in Refugee Camps | 9 June 2014 | allAfrica | New Times
With the majority of the refugees (about 80 per cent) in the country being women and children, gender-based violence incidences have proven to be an issue for policymakers.

Central African Republic

Central African Republic Situation Report #39 – 3 June 2014 | 4 June 2014 | Reliefweb | World Food Programme
Senior UN relief officials call for crisis funding for Central African Republic | 4 June 2014 | UN News
Thousands of women and children fleeing the Central African Republic (CAR) for Cameroon arrive in a ‘shocking state,’ malnourished and dangerously ill, the heads of two United Nations humanitarian agencies said today, warning that their funds are nearly exhausted and that hundreds of thousands of people could die unless urgent contributions are received.

CAR refugees in Cameroon
Starving, Exhausted CAR Refugees Stream Into Cameroon – UN | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | AlertNet
Thousands of women and children fleeing bloodshed in Central African Republic are arriving in Cameroon malnourished and dangerously ill, the heads of two of the biggest U.N. agencies said on Wednesday, in an appeal for donor funds.

End Suffering of Women, Children Fleeing Into Cameroon From C.A.R. – UNHCR, WFP | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | United Nations World Food Programme
The heads of two frontline United Nations agencies today urged donors to support a swift response to end the suffering of thousands of malnourished as well as sick women and children fleeing violence in Central African Republic (C.A.R.).

Justice and tribunals

Selected articles on criminal justice proceedings regarding crimes committed in the Great Lakes Region
The International Criminal Court’s relationship with Africa: An unfair bias?  | 4 June 2014 | Pambazuka
All current cases before the ICC are from Africa and case referrals are restricted by international politics. However, this should not be an excuse for African leaders to circumvent justice. As no African Court with efficient jurisdiction and capacity exists, the ICC remains vital to African victims and ending impunity.

DRC

ICC – Bosco Ntaganda committed to trial

ICC ready to put Congolese warlord on trial | 9 June 2014 | Reuters
Pre-Trial Chamber II commits Bosco Ntaganda to trial | 9 June 2014 | Reliefweb | International Criminal Court
On Monday, 9 June 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC) unanimously confirmed charges consisting in 18 counts of war crimes (murder and attempted murder; attacking civilians; rape; sexual slavery of civilians; pillaging; displacement of civilians; attacking protected objects; destroying the enemy’s property; and rape, sexual slavery, enlistment and conscription of child soldiers under the age of fifteen years and using them to participate actively in hostilities) and crimes against humanity (murder and attempted murder; rape; sexual slavery; persecution; forcible transfer of population) against Bosco Ntaganda and committed him for trial before a Trial Chamber on the charges as confirmed.

ICC – Congolese Warlord to Go to Trial – Bosco Ntaganda Case Shows Need to Bring Ranking Officials to Justice | 9 June 2014 | allAfrica | HRW
The International Criminal Court’s confirmation of 18 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against the warlord Bosco Ntaganda should pave the way for broader justice in war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Human Rights Watch said today.

ICC: Congolese Warlord to Go to Trial | 10 June 2014 | HRW
The International Criminal Court’s confirmation of 18 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against the warlord Bosco Ntaganda should pave the way for broader justice in war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Human Rights Watch said today.

Le “Terminator” Congolais renvoyĂ© en procĂšs | 10 June 2014 | Hirondelle News Agency
ICC to put Congolese ‘Terminator’ on trial | 10 June 2014 | Al Jazeera
Prosecutors have presented enough evidence to justify putting on trial a Congolese rebel leader accused of rape, murder and enlisting child soldiers, judges at the International Criminal Court said on Monday.

CPI : les juges confirment les charges contre Bosco Ntaganda | 9 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
La Chambre prĂ©liminaire II de la Cour pĂ©nale internationale (CPI) a confirmĂ© Ă  l’unanimitĂ© lundi 9 juin les charges portĂ©es contre Bosco Ntaganda. Il s’agit de 18 chefs de crimes de guerre (meurtre et tentative de meurtre, attaque contre des civils, viol et esclavage sexuel de civils notamment) et de crimes contre l’humanitĂ© (meurtre et tentative de meurtre ; viol ; esclavage sexuel ; persĂ©cution ; transfert forcĂ© de populations). La Chambre a renvoyĂ© l’ancien milicien devant une chambre de premiĂšre instance pour y ĂȘtre jugĂ© sur la base de ces charges.

ICC – Bemba case

La CPI refuse d’accorder une libertĂ© provisoire au dĂ©putĂ© du MLC Fidele Babala | 7 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
La chambre prĂ©liminaire de la Cour pĂ©nale internationale (CPI) a refusĂ©, jeudi 5 juin, d’accorder la libertĂ© provisoire au dĂ©putĂ© du Mouvement de libĂ©ration du Congo (MLC), Fidele Babala, arrĂȘtĂ© Ă  Kinshasa en novembre dernier. Selon le chargĂ© de communication de cette juridiction en RDC, Paul Madidi, les juges de cette chambre estiment que la libertĂ© de ce dĂ©putĂ© du parti chĂšre Ă  Jean-Pierre Bemba risquerait d’influer sur les tĂ©moins dans l’affaire de l’ancien vice-prĂ©sident de la RĂ©publique incarcĂ©rĂ© Ă  la Haye pour crimes contre l’humanitĂ© et crimes de guerre commis en 2002 et 2003 en Centrafrique.

ICC – 3 detained Congolese witnesses transferred to Dutch custody

International Criminal Court Transfers Three Detained Witnesses to Dutch Custody | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | PR Newswire
Three witnesses detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the framework of their testimony before the Court were transferred to the custody of the authorities of The Netherlands. Floribert Ndjabu Ngabu, Sharif Manda Ndadza Dz’Na and Pierre-CĂ©lestin Mbodina Iribi were transferred from the ICC detention to the Dutch authorities’ custody in accordance with an order of the ICC Appeals Chamber.

La CPI transfÚre la garde de trois témoins congolais aux autorités néerlandaises | 5 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
La Cour pĂ©nale internationale (CPI) a transfĂ©rĂ© mercredi 4 juin la garde de trois tĂ©moins congolais aux autoritĂ©s nĂ©erlandaises. Floribert Ndjabu Ngabu, Sharif Manda Ndadza Dz’Na et Pierre-CĂ©lestin Mbodina Iribi avaient Ă©tĂ© transfĂ©rĂ©s depuis leur prison Ă  Kinshasa pour tĂ©moigner en mars 2011 dans le procĂšs pour crimes contre l’humanitĂ© et crimes de guerre de deux chefs de milice congolais, Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui et Germain Katanga. AprĂšs leurs tĂ©moignages, ils avaient demandĂ© l’asile politique aux Pays-Bas, disant craindre pour leur sĂ©curitĂ© s’ils retournaient en RDC.

Chebeya case

L’affaire Chebeya, un dossier embarrassant pour le SĂ©nĂ©gal | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
Condamné à mort par contumace à Kinshasa, Paul Mwilambwé se trouve depuis le mois de novembre au Sénégal.

Avocats sans frontiĂšres soutient la plainte contre Paul Mwilambwe pour l’affaire Chebeya | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | Le Potentiel
Avant mĂȘme que le procĂšs sur l’assassinat de Floribert Chebeya et FidĂšle Bazana soit vidĂ© par la justice congolaise, la FIDH vient de porter plainte contre le fugitif Paul Mwilambwe qui rĂ©side au SĂ©nĂ©gal ; une initiative saluĂ©e par le rĂ©seau Avocats sans frontiĂšres.

Affaire Chebeya : la justice sénégalaise se déclare compétente pour juger Paul Mwilambwe | 7 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
La justice sĂ©nĂ©galaise se dĂ©clare compĂ©tente pour juger Paul Mwilambwe, un des policiers condamnĂ© par contumace par la justice congolaise Ă  la peine de mort pour l’assassinat des dĂ©fenseurs des droits de l’homme Floribert Chebeya et FidĂšle Bazana. Paul Mwilambwe vit actuellement au SĂ©nĂ©gal.

Rwanda

Opposition member Ntaganda released
Bernard Ntaganda Released From Prison | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | Rwanda Focus
Bernard Ntaganda was released from Mpanga prison in Nyanza on Wednesday after serving a four-year sentence after he had been found guilty of endangering national security, divisionism, inciting ethnic divisions and attempting to organize demonstrations without official authorization.

L’opposant Bernard Ntaganda libre et toujours dĂ©terminé | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica RFI
Au Rwanda, l’opposant Bernard Ntaganda, condamnĂ© Ă  quatre ans de prison, a Ă©tĂ© libĂ©rĂ© mercredi aprĂšs avoir purgĂ© sa peine.

Rwanda Tribunal (ICTR)
UN Tribunals Crucial for Delivering Justice for Rwanda, Former Yugoslavia, Security Council Told | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica | UN News
What began as ‘bold experiments’ in international justice two decades ago have resulted in ensuring accountability for the worst of crimes, officials from the United Nations tribunals dealing with the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda told the Security Council today, as they highlighted ongoing efforts to bring the work of their respective bodies to a close.

Weekly Summary – Appeals Hearing for Acquitted Presidential Aide, ICTR Lists Its Challenges | 7 June 2014 | allAfrica | Hirondelle News Agency
An aide to former Rwandan president JuvĂ©nal Habyarimana who was acquitted three years ago was in court for an appeals hearing in Kigali. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) presented the UN with a list of its challenges as it prepares to shut its doors in six months’ time.

Le Conseil de sĂ©curitĂ© a les activitĂ©s des Tribunaux pĂ©naux internationaux pour l’ex-Yougoslavie (TPIY) et pour le Rwanda (TPIR) | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica | United Nations
Le Conseil de sĂ©curitĂ© a, ce matin, ainsi qu’il le fait tous les six mois, examinĂ©, en prĂ©sence de leurs prĂ©sidents et procureurs respectifs, les activitĂ©s des Tribunaux pĂ©naux internationaux pour l’ex-Yougoslavie (TPIY) et pour le Rwanda (TPIR), ainsi que du MĂ©canisme international appelĂ© Ă  exercer les fonctions rĂ©siduelles de ces deux juridictions*.

Les tribunaux de l’ONU pour l’ex-Yougoslavie et le Rwanda se prĂ©parent Ă  fermer | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica | UN News
Alors que le Tribunal pĂ©nal international pour l’ex-Yougoslavie (TPIY) et le Tribunal pĂ©nal international pour le Rwanda (TPIR) se prĂ©parent Ă  fermer, de hauts responsables de ces deux tribunaux ont soulignĂ© jeudi devant le Conseil de sĂ©curitĂ© le rĂŽle crucial que ces organes ont jouĂ© dans la lutte contre l’impunitĂ©.

Former senator before High Court
Ex-Senator Nzirasanaho Genocide Trial Resumes Today | 8 June 2014 | allAfrica | New Times
The hearing of the appeal of former Senator Anastase Nzirasanaho is set to resume today in the special chamber of the High Court.

Prosecution Pins Former Senator Over Role in Genocide | 9 June 2014 | allAfrica | New Times
Prosecutors yesterday told the Special Chamber of the High Court trying Genocide cases that former senator Anastase Nzirasanaho had no clear ground of appealing a previous sentence.

Burundi

Human rights defender charged on dubious grounds
Burundian Human Rights Defender Arbitrarily Arrested, Dubiously Charged | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica | International Freedom of Expression Exchange Clearing House

Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa restera en prison jusqu’Ă  son procĂšs | 10 June 2014 allAfrica RFI
Au Burundi, le prĂ©sident de l’Association burundaise pour la protection des droits humains et des personnes dĂ©tenues (Aprodh), Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa, va finalement rester en prison jusqu’Ă  son procĂšs. Telle est la dĂ©cision de la cour d’appel de Bujumbura contre le prĂ©sident de l’Aprodh.

Opposition member released from custody
Opposition burundaise : Sinduhije “profondĂ©ment heureux” de sa libĂ©ration en Belgique | 7 June 2014 | Jeune Afrique
Alexis Sinduhije, opposant burundais, a Ă©tĂ© libĂ©rĂ© dans la nuit de mardi Ă  mercredi du centre fermĂ© de l’aĂ©roport de Bruxelles, oĂč il Ă©tait dĂ©tenu depuis jeudi 1er mai. Un juge du Conseil du contentieux des Ă©trangers (CCE) a dĂ©cidĂ© de suspendre la mesure de refoulement prise Ă  son encontre.

Uganda

Mob justice
Uganda Fears ‘Unprecedented’ Rise in Mob Justice | 6 June 2014 | Voice of America
A lack of trust in Uganda’s judicial system and a backlog in its courts likely is fueling an apparent rise in violent mob justice, a human rights commission says in calling for a study.

Natural resource exploitation, governance and trade

Minerals, energy (oil & gas, hydro and solar), poaching, logging, foreign investment, trade, environmental issues

DRC

Conflict and minerals extraction sites (as of 04 Jun 2014) | 4 June 2014 | Reliefweb | Maplecroft

Ituri’s gold
Power for Ituri’s gold producers | 10 June 2014 | Africa Energy Intelligence
Often viewed by investors as dangerous, the region has finally attracted investors in electricity thanks to its flourishing gold scene.

Gold dredging in Shabunda
Shabunda: la population rĂ©clame les 5 % de part sociale sur l’exploitation des minerais | 4 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
La communautĂ© locale de Shabunda rĂ©clame les cinq pour cents de part de l’exploitation de minerais destinĂ©e Ă  amĂ©liorer le social de la population sur la riviĂšre Ulindi.

Illegal logging and timber trade in Province Orientale
Province Orientale: l’administration forestiĂšre accusĂ©e de favoriser le trafic du bois illĂ©gal | 6 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
L’implication des hommes armĂ©s, les fraudes dans l’administration forestiĂšre et l’influence des politiciens favorisent l’exploitation et le commerce illĂ©gaux de bois dans la Province Orientale, a dĂ©clarĂ© jeudi 5 mai Ă  Kisangani le ministre provincial des ressources naturelles. Il l’a affirmĂ© Ă  l’occasion du lancement du projet «Exploitation et commerce lĂ©gaux de bois, affaire de tous dans la Province Orientale», financĂ© par l’Union europĂ©enne et la FAO.

HRW brings charge to SOCO International
Investigate Attacks on Oil Project Critics | 4 June 2014 | HRW
HRW dénonce les violences contre les gardiens du parc de Virunga | 4 June 2014 | Afrik.com
HRW: Critics of DRC Oil Plans Threatened | 4 June 2014 | Voice of America
Kinshasa appelĂ© Ă  enquĂȘter sur les attaques contre les dĂ©fenseurs du parc des Virunga | 5 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Un rapport choc d’HRW sur l’exploration pĂ©troliĂšre dans les Virunga | 7 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
Democratic Republic of Congo authorities should fully and impartially investigate threats and violence against Virunga National Park rangers and local activists, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should examine whether the incidents are linked to plans to explore for oil within and near Virunga Park by SOCO International, a British oil company operating in eastern Congo.

SOCO halts oil exploration in Virunga National Park
SOCO and WWF agree way forward on future activity in Virunga National Park (DRC) | 11 June 2014 | SOCO International
SOCO International plc (SOCO) has agreed with WWF in a joint statement to commit not to undertake or commission any exploratory or other drilling within Virunga National Park unless UNESCO and the DRC government agree that such activities are not incompatible with its World Heritage status.

Together we did it! – Virunga safe from immediate oil threat | 11 June 2014 | WWF
Soco halts oil exploration in Africa’s Virunga national park | 11 June 2014 | The Guardian
RDC: le pĂ©trolier Socco s’engage Ă  se retirer du parc des Virunga | 11 June 2014 | RFI
Pétrole des Virunga: Soco capitule | 11 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
British oil company bows to pressure and abandons drilling in volatile and biodiverse world heritage site in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hydropower – Senate votes Great Inga project
RDC : le Sénat vote la ratification du projet Grand Inga sous réserves | 7 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Le SĂ©nat a adoptĂ© vendredi 6 juin le projet de loi portant autorisation de ratification du traitĂ© du projet Inga. Ce qui autorisĂ© au gouvernement de la RDC d’entĂ©riner le projet hydroĂ©lectrique Grand Inga, signĂ© en 2013 entre la RDC et l’Afrique du Sud. Mais la commission des Relations extĂ©rieures de la chambre basse qui a prĂ©sentĂ© son rapport continue Ă  Ă©mettre des rĂ©serves quant Ă  certaines dispositions contenues dans ce traitĂ©, Ă©voquant notamment le choix des acheteurs, le timing, le titre du projet et la qualitĂ© des obligations de Pretoria.

Uganda

Oil Sector – NGOs, Govt Should Work Together | 8 June 2014 | allAfrica | Observer

Museveni Softens On New Pipeline | 9 June 2014 | allAfrica | East African Business Week
President Yoweri Museveni has finally accepted to have a portion of Uganda’s oil exported in crude form when commercial production is scheduled to start during 2017.

Other

DRC

Elections
Elections: les «envoyés spéciaux» demandent à la Ceni de publier le calendrier global | 4 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
RDC : les Etats-Unis insistent sur la nĂ©cessitĂ© d’organiser la prĂ©sidentielle en 2016 | 5 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
RDC: le calendrier électoral relÚve des «prérogatives de la Ceni», affirme Malumalu | 8 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Le gouvernement exige le respect de sa souveraineté nationale | 8 June 2014 |  allAfrica | RFI
Grands Lacs: les envoyĂ©s spĂ©ciaux doivent ĂȘtre impartiaux, estime Thomas Lokondo | 9 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
RDC: des partis de l’opposition exigent un «vrai dialogue» sur le calendrier Ă©lectoral | 10 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Les envoyés spéciaux de la communauté internationale dans les Grands lacs plaident pour la tenue des élections dans le délai constitutionnel, soit entre 2014 et 2016.

Government proposes revision of Constitution
Elections en RDC : le gouvernement opte pour la révision constitutionnelle | 10 June 2014 | Reliefweb | Agence France-Presse
RDC: le Gouvernement propose la révision de la constitution | 10 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Le conseil des ministres a adoptĂ©, lundi 9 juin, quatre nouveaux projets de loi, dont celui relatif Ă  la rĂ©vision de certains articles de la Constitution. Les autres textes portent sur le processus Ă©lectoral. Selon le porte-parole du Gouvernement, Lambert Mende, ce rĂ©amĂ©nagement permettra de doter chaque niveau d’élections de dispositions lĂ©gales particuliĂšres afin de faciliter leur organisation.

Le projet de révision constitutionnelle inquiÚte à Kinshasa | 10 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
En RDC, le gouvernement a annoncĂ© avoir adoptĂ© un projet de rĂ©vision constitutionnelle pour organiser de nouvelles Ă©lections comme il l’entend. Un projet validĂ©, lundi soir, Ă  l’occasion d’un Conseil des ministres extraordinaire Ă  Kinshasa.

Agreement DRCongo – Congo-Brazzaville on movement and settlement
DRC, Congo Brazzaville – New Free Movement Accord Reached | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | Cameroon Tribune
Sequel to the furore over the recent expulsion of almost 140,000 Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC nationals from neighbouring Congo Brazzaville, the two countries have signed a new free movement of people agreement to replace that of 1999.

Kinshasa et Brazzaville signent une convention sur la circulation et l’établissement des personnes | 4 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Martin Kobler se dit satisfait de la décrispation du climat entre les deux Congo | 4 June 2014 | Radio Okapi
Les travaux de la commission mixte dĂ©fense et sĂ©curitĂ© entre la RDC et le Congo-Brazzaville se sont achevĂ©s mardi 3 juin Ă  Kinshasa. Principale retombĂ©e de ces assises : la signature d’une convention sur la circulation et l’établissement des personnes et des biens entre les deux pays.

Burundi

Troubled Burundi – UN relations
Burundi expels second UN official | 4 June 2014 | Reliefweb | Agence France-Presse
Burundi announced on Wednesday that it would expel a United Nations official, the second to be thrown out of the central African nation in as many months.

Le pays justifie l’expulsion d’un second fonctionnaire de l’ONU | 5 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
Le Burundi a annoncĂ© mercredi l’expulsion d’un deuxiĂšme fonctionnaire des Nations unies, moins de deux mois aprĂšs avoir renvoyĂ© un diplomate onusien aprĂšs la fuite d’un cĂąble diplomatique interne Ă  l’organisation et qui accusait le pouvoir de distribuer des armes aux membres de la ligue des jeunes du parti au pouvoir au Burundi.

ONU, UA, UE et États-Unis dĂ©noncent des “entraves aux libertĂ©s” au Burundi  | 4 June 2014 | Jeune Afrique
Dans un communiquĂ© rendu public mardi, des envoyĂ©s spĂ©ciaux internationaux pour la rĂ©gion des Grands Lacs ont dĂ©noncĂ© les “entraves aux libertĂ©s” et aux activitĂ©s de l’opposition au Burundi, Ă  la veille des Ă©chĂ©ances Ă©lectorales prĂ©vues en 2015.

Le gouvernement burundais rĂ©agit Ă  la mise en garde de l’ONU | 4 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
AprĂšs le communiquĂ© conjoint, lundi, de l’ONU, de l’Union africaine, des États-Unis et de l’Union europĂ©enne, qui se sont dit «prĂ©occupĂ©s» par les restrictions aux libertĂ©s politiques et civiles au Burundi, les autoritĂ©s burundaises tentent de minimiser la portĂ©e de la mise en garde.

Elections
Un «code de bonne conduite» symbolique pour les élections au Burundi | 10 June 2014 | allAfrica | RFI
Le gouvernement, les partis et acteurs politiques burundais ont signĂ© lundi un code de conduite pour des Ă©lections « libres, apaisĂ©es et inclusives » en 2015, Ă  moins d’une annĂ©e des Ă©lections gĂ©nĂ©rales. Cette cĂ©rĂ©monie s’est tenue dans un contexte de tensions politiques et de mĂ©fiance gĂ©nĂ©rale.

Uganda

Uganda minister ‘unfit’ for UN appointment | 10 June 2014 | Al Jazeera
Uganda’s Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa, who was previously ousted as a junior investment minister over claims he abused his office, is not fit to become the president of the United Nations General Assembly, a watchdog has said.

IPIS Recent Publications

IPIS Insights: The 2nd Annual United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights, Geneva 2013 | January 2014 | IPIS
From the 2 – 4 December 2013, IPIS attended the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights. The Forum was established by the Human Rights Council and is under the guidance of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights. IPIS’ researchers Gabriella Wass and Anna Bulzomi offer some insights into topics at the Forum that struck them as particularly interesting.

Practice What You Preach: Theory and Practice of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan in Chad | 9 January 2014 | IPIS
The past decade has seen a staggering increase in Chinese investment flows in Africa, leaping from USD 392 million in 2005 to USD 2520 million in 2012. Chinese Government officials often describe the burgeoning Sino-African ties as ‘win-win partnerships’, emphasizing how their ‘non-interference’ policy truly allows African countries to choose their own development path.
Against this background, doubts may arise with regard to the environmental and social standards applied by Chinese companies conducting business overseas, especially in post-conflict states with poor human rights records and inadequate governance structures. The case discussed in this paper concerns the operations of the Chadian branch of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

Business, Human Rights, and Uganda’s Oil – Part II: Protect and Remedy: Implementing State duties under the UN Framework on Business and Human Rights | December 2013 | IPIS
The following is the second in a series of four reports exploring business and human rights issues in Uganda’s oil sector. This series is a collaboration between IPIS vsw and ActionAid Uganda.
In accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, this second report assesses the duty of the Ugandan, British, French and Chinese States to prevent, investigate, punish and redress human rights abuse by businesses.

In search of clean water: human rights and the mining industry in Katanga, DRC | 27 November 2013 | IPIS
Today, around 1,8 billion people in the world do not have access to safe water. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the most water-rich country in Africa, 51 million people lack access to potable water; only 26% of the population has access to safe drinking water. This is one of the lowest access rates in the world.
In the Katanga province, rich in cobalt and copper, some industrial mining companies operate provoking significant pollution of water sources, seriously affecting the local population. Although there is a lack of comprehensive data available, several studies conducted by local civil society show environmental, health and socio-economic negative effects.

IPIS Insights: Kimberley Process: observations from the sidelines. Part I | 21 November 2013 | IPIS
Ten years after the launch of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) this paper is the first in a two part series providing an overview of where the Kimberley Process and international efforts to combat the trade in conflict diamonds currently stand. It will analyse some of the present challenges facing the system and some of the potential solutions on the table.

Travail des enfants dans le site minier d’exploitation artisanale de Bisie en territoire de Walikale. Une crise oubliĂ©e en RĂ©publique DĂ©mocratique du Congo | 19 November 2013 | Prince Kihangi Kyamwami
Plus de deux dĂ©cennies aprĂšs l’entrĂ©e en vigueur de la Convention relative aux droits de l’enfant (1989) en RĂ©publique DĂ©mocratique du Congo (RDC), la situation des enfants dans le territoire de Walikale demeure critique.

Ambushed in Bangkok? The U.N. Panel on North Korea and the case of the IL-76 “4L-AWA” | 14 November 2013 | IPIS/TA
This new IPIS/TA report explains why the conclusion of the latest United Nations report on North Korea sanctions, about an arms flight grounded in Thailand, is not supported by facts, but based on a misalliance of wrong and misleading information, gleaned both about the cargo aircraft, its flight and the entities involved, together with erroneous interpretations of standard aviation practices made by the UN Panel of experts on North Korea.

Analysis of the interactive map of artisanal mining areas in Eastern DR Congo | 12 November 2013 | IPIS
In August 2009 the ‘International Peace Information Service’ (IPIS) published a first map of militarised mining areas in Eastern DR Congo. By 2012, the international interest in the issue had grown but the map was out-dated. To find a structural solution, IPIS sat down with the Congolese mining cadastre (CAMI) and agreed to set up a permanent system to monitor artisanal mining activities and the involvement of armed groups in the mineral exploitation and trade. A first version of the resulting map has been published at https://ipisresearch.be//mapping/webmapping. It shows the location of nearly 800 mining sites and 85 trading centres, including information about armed groups presence and involvement, and the scale of the mining activity. The map includes at least 410 cases of illegal taxation by armed groups or the Congolese army.

‘Conflict Minerals’ initiatives in DR Congo: Perceptions of local mining communities | 12 November 2013 | IPIS
The exploitation of minerals is an important source of income for many communities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Yet this mineral wealth also plays a significant role in the continuation of insecurity in parts of the country.
Over recent years, several domestic, regional and international initiatives have been developed to address the so-called ‘conflict minerals’ problem and the high level of informality in the DRC’s artisanal mining sector. These initiatives have provoked varying reactions regarding their impact on local livelihoods.
This report aims to provide insight into the impact of initiatives on the livelihood strategies of local communities in the DRC, based on field research in a wide range of mining areas; and document the perceptions of local stakeholders of these initiatives and their impacts.

IPIS Insights: Why businesses should assess human rights impacts from the outset of projects. SOCO International Oil Company in Virunga National Park, DRC | 26 August 2013 | International Peace Information Service (IPIS)
SOCO International, a British oil company, is prospecting for oil in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park – a World Heritage Site. For the past year, their presence has been criticised for putting a fragile environment at risk. However, more recently, their impact on human rights has also been questioned. In this Insights IPIS looks at why it is so vital for companies to employ rights-respectful processes, such as those advised in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, from the very beginning of the prospection stage.

Strijd tegen conflictmineralen: sleutel tot conflictresolutie in Oost-Congo? | 25 July  2013 | IPIS (Internationale Spectator)
De PDF van dit artikel is met toestemming van de redactie overgenomen uit de ‘Internationale Spectator, Clingendael Magazine voor Internationale Betrekkingen’, uitgegeven door de Koninklijke Van Gorcum, te Assen namens het Nederlands Instituut voor Internationale Betrekkingen ‘Clingendael’ te Den Haag.

Business, Human Rights, and Uganda’s Oil. Part I: Uganda’s oil sector and potential threats to human rights | 25 July 2013 | International Peace Information Service (IPIS) – ActionAid International Uganda
The following report is the first of a series of four collaborations between IPIS Research and ActionAid International Uganda. The series sheds a light on the oil sector in Uganda, its possible impact on human rights, and how government, companies, and civil society can best enable a positive bond between oil and the welfare of the Ugandan people.

The formalisation of artisanal mining in the DRC and Rwanda | December 2012 [April 2013] | IPIS
This report describes and evaluates initiatives to formalise the artisanal mining sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, in order to locate lessons learned. We hope that these perspectives will support the formation of well-informed policy and regulatory options – both by the EU and by harvesting countries – concerning the formalisation of timber production in tropical countries.
The report was commissioned by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), which is dedicated to advancing human well-being, environmental conservation and equity through providing information that leads to better informed and equitable decision making about the use and management of forests in tropical countries.

Gold and diamonds in the Central African Republic. The country’s mining sector, and related social, economic and environmental issues | 26 March 2013 | IPIS
Gold and diamonds in Central Africa easily conjure up images of conflict, rebel funding, human rights violations, and smuggling. As a country landlocked within an unstable region, neighbouring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and recently the scene of another coup, the Central African Republic (CAR) might be considered an appropriate candidate for analysis within the conflict-mineral perspective. Yet this framework would ignore the country’s mining sector’s very specific characteristics. The sector offers an essential livelihood to many households, represents the country’s second most important export product, and is organised in a particular way. Nonetheless, a wide range of issues regarding the country’s mining sector persist.
This report aims to analyse both the Central African Republic’s gold and diamond mining sector and related environmental and socio-economic issues.

Pinocchio Ltd. The NRA and its corporate partners: US shipments of small arms ammunition by sea | 25 March 2013 | TA-R | IPIS
The National Rifle Association (NRA) claims to have monitored in the last 20 years all United Nations activities that could impact Second Amendment rights. Its latest target is the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), an international treaty to establish common international standards for the import, export, and transfer of conventional arms presently under discussion at the United Nations. The international community has been calling for the inclusion of ammunition and civilian arms within the scope of the ATT. This reasonable call is used by the NRA to claim that the ATT could restrict the lawful ownership of firearms in the United States.

Major Powers Fuelling Atrocities. Why the world needs a robust Arms Trade Treaty | March 2013 | Amnesty International
IPIS contributed to the research for this AI report.
Every year, thousands of people are killed, injured, raped and forced to ïŹ‚ee from their homes as a result of abuses and atrocities committed with conventional arms and ammunition. Harrowing testimonies and images from conïŹ‚ict zones and human rights crises around the world underline the urgent need to end irresponsible arms transfers and illicit trafïŹcking.

To see the sources of IPIS’ briefings, please click here.