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Table of Contents
Country Reports
Democratic Republic of Congo, Landmine Monitor Report 2003

Democratic Republic of Congo

Key developments since May 2002: The Democratic Republic of Congo acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty on 2 May 2002. A National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines was created on 6 May 2002. The DRC submitted its initial Article 7 transparency report on 30 April 2003. It identified 165 mined or suspected mined areas in 11 provinces. Handicap International Belgium conducted several preliminary landmine surveys and emergency assessment missions. Between June 2001 and April 2003, HIB cleared 25,756 square meters of land in Kisangani and surrounding areas. Limited mine clearance has been also been conducted by militaries and MONUC. In 2002 and 2003, HIB destroyed about 1,660 antipersonnel mines stockpiled by rebel forces. There has been ongoing, and apparently increased, use of antipersonnel mines by a number of rebel groups in 2002 and 2003.

Background

On 3 April 2003, in Sun City, South Africa, participants in the inter-Congolese dialogue signed the Final Act of negotiations, which had begun in October 2001. With this Act, they formally endorsed a series of agreements to restore peace and national sovereignty to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during a transition period of two years.[1] Also, in July 2002, talks between the DRC and Rwanda resulted in an agreement to end the conflict between the two countries.

The country remains split into three main zones of control. Most of the north is controlled by the MLC (Mouvement de Liberation du Congo), with support from Uganda. Much of the east is controlled by the RCD (Rassemblement Congolais pour la Democratie), supported by the Rwandan army. The government controls the west and south of the country, with military support from Angola, Zimbabwe and Namibia. UN military observers from the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) are deployed along the frontlines and in other key locations. [2]

Despite relative calm along the frontlines, the situation in the eastern part of the country has become more volatile since late 2002, with a proliferation of armed groups and newly formed militias. According to the UN, “In particular, fighting has continued between Lendu-based and Hema-based militias in Ituri, and between RCD-Goma, Mai-Mai, and other armed groups in the Kivus.”[3]  Humanitarian access is sporadic to non-existent in parts of the east.[4]

Mine Ban Policy

The Democratic Republic of Congo acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty on 2 May 2002, and the treaty entered into force for it on 1 November 2002. A National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines was created on 6 May 2002.[5] In February 2002 a commission was created within the Ministry of Justice to prepare national implementation legislation.[6] The DRC has asked for legal assistance from France, Zimbabwe, the UN Development Program (UNDP) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).[7]

The DRC submitted its initial Article 7 transparency report on 30 April 2003. An official from the National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines emphasized that the report is not complete, noting that the annual updates would be more precise.[8]

The DRC participated in the Fourth Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty in September 2002 and in the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in February and May 2003 in Geneva, including in the Article 7 Contact Group. It cosponsored but was absent from the November 2002 vote on UN General Assembly Resolution 57/74 supporting the Mine Ban Treaty.

The DRC participated in the “Seminar on the Implementation of Article 7 of the Ottawa Treaty in Central Africa,” organized by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, and held in Brussels, on 12 and 13 November 2002.

Along with the Republic of Congo and Canada, the DRC organized a workshop on the “Implementation of the Ottawa Convention and Mine Action in the DRC and in the Republic of Congo,” in Brazzaville on 7 and 8 May 2003. The objectives of the workshop were to inform representatives of the ministries in charge of the mine issue about treaty obligations and to evaluate its implementation in both countries. The workshop also sought to formulate proposals for cooperation in stockpile destruction and mine clearance.[9] The participants stressed that the fight against landmines could not be an isolated action, but needs to be included in the fight against poverty.[10]

Members of the National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines expressed their doubts that all of the armed forces in the national territory have an appropriate understanding of the Mine Ban Treaty.[11] In May 2002, it had been announced that the government, with the support of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the ICRC, would organize a workshop to educate the military about the Mine Ban Treaty.[12] However, it has not happened due to a lack of funds.[13] On 15 March 2003, the Minister of Defense issued a directive regarding stopping the use of antipersonnel mines by military forces.[14]

The DRC announced in June 2002 that it had completed internal procedures for accession to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW).[15] In May 2003, an official said they were still waiting for the president’s signature on the documents.[16]

Non-State Actors Mine Ban Policy

As reported in Landmine Monitor Report 2002, at a May 2002 workshop on the Mine Ban Treaty in Kinshasa, a representative of the armed opposition group Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD)-Goma, stated that its forces adhere to the principles of the Mine Ban Treaty.[17] This assertion was reiterated to Landmine Monitor in December 2002.[18] However, as described below, there are allegations of continued use of antipersonnel mines in the reporting period by RCD-Goma in joint combat operations with the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) and Hema militias. The RCD is also alleged to have provided antipersonnel mines to UPC forces.[19]

In December 2002, the seventh brigade of the Armée Nationale Congolaise/RCD-Goma handed over a stockpile of antipersonnel mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) from their camp in Lukusa to Handicap International Belgium (HIB) in Kisangani.[20] However, the ANC has refused to hand over maps of areas where it used mines in the past, declaring them to be a military secret.[21]

On 30 December 2002, a cease-fire agreement was signed in Gbadolite, between the MLC, the RCD-National, and the RCD-ML with the UN Secretary-General's deputy special representative in the DRC. The three movements agreed to create the conditions conducive to clear and destroy mines.[22] Fighting between the militias had erupted on 20 December 2002, three days after the signing of the Pretoria Peace agreement on the formation of an all-inclusive government for the DRC.[23] However, these forces continue to use landmines, as described below.

Production, Transfer, Stockpiling and Stockpile Destruction

The DRC government is not known to have produced or exported antipersonnel mines, but in the past acquired them from different sources.[24] The commander of Ugandan forces in Ituri, Brig. Kale Kayihura, told media that one reason Ugandan troops seized the airport of Bunia in March 2003, was “to stop further air shipments of mines.”[25] Landmine Monitor was unable to find details regarding this assertion of mine shipments.

In this reporting period, the government did not carry out an inventory or assessment of its antipersonnel mine stockpiles.[26] According to officials, the partition of the country during the war has impeded access to information from territories not under control of the central government until April 2003, when the country was unified.[27] They also stated that respecting the transparency obligation of the treaty collides with the desire for military secrecy by those who are responsible for landmine stockpiles.[28]

On 2 November 2002, the Minister of National Defense asked the General Commissioner of the Government to urge all signatories of the Lusaka Peace Agreements to communicate precise information on types, quantities and location of stockpiled antipersonnel mines.[29] Further, on 19 February 2003, he asked the Chef d'Etat-Major Interarmées of the Congolese Armed Forces to communicate as soon as possible the numbers and categories of mines owned by the Congolese Armed Forces, the progress of destruction programs and the location of mined areas.[30] The DRC has asked the Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) for technical assistance for its future stockpile destruction.[31]

At the May 2003 meeting of the Mine Ban Treaty Standing Committee on Stockpile Destruction, the DRC representative stated that his country would not wait until the submission of its next transparency report on 30 April 2004 to publicly reveal new information. He also noted that they are aware “of the existence of several small stocks isolated in certain parts of the country...that need to be integrated in the global inventory of stockpiles and to be destroyed.” He said that this could only be done “at the rhythm of the return of peace.”[32]

In December 2002, HIB destroyed 15 antipersonnel mines found in an old ammunition depot in Bangboka.[33] Also in December 2002, the seventh brigade of the ANC/RCD-Goma handed over a stockpile of antipersonnel mines and UXO to HIB in Kisangani. According to the DRC's Article 7 Report, the stockpile contained these mines: 398 PMA2s, 81 TS50s, 62 M2A4s, 6 Claymore Z1s and 115 PRBMs.[34] According to HIB, there were 20 fewer M2A4 mines.[35] These mines were destroyed between 9 and 15 December 2002; 62 antivehicle mines of RCD's stockpile were destroyed at the same time.[36] National media covered the stockpile destruction. However, RCD-Goma has not publicly revealed more information on other stockpiles, considering the information a military secret.[37]

According to the Article 7 Report, HIB destroyed another 675 Claymore Z1s, 274 PRBMs and 5 POMZs on 4 April 2003 in Bunia in Ituri district.[38] These mines had been handed over to MONUC by the Ugandan army after they seized them from the UPC.[39] According to HIB, the mines destroyed also included 64 TS50s, along with 57 antivehicle mines.[40]

Thus, in 2002 and 2003, HIB reports destroying from rebel stockpiles 1,660 antipersonnel mines and 119 antivehicle mines, as well as thousands of pieces of UXO.[41]

Other non-state actors reportedly also possess stockpiles of antipersonnel mines.

The RCD-ML claims to have discovered an MLC weapons arsenal, which included antipersonnel mines during the fighting in Mambassa in October 2002.[42] During a confrontation in March 2003, a stockpile of antipersonnel mines was abandoned by the MLC (backed by RCD-National) and seized by the RCD-ML in Komanda. Other stocks of antipersonnel mines were reportedly abandoned in Bunia, Bogoro, Mambassa and Mandro after various confrontations.[43]

Use

Landmines have been, and continue to be, a significant feature in the DRC conflict. All past Landmine Monitor Reports have cited allegations of use by virtually all forces fighting in the DRC since 1998. In the past, there were persistent allegations of mine use by the forces of the DRC government and the rebel Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD), as well as the forces of the governments of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.[44]

In each of its reports, Landmine Monitor has stressed that while it was clear mines were being laid, it was impossible to verify responsibility for that use, particularly in view of charges, counter-charges and denials by all parties. Moreover, it is often difficult to determine when mines were laid.[45] In its 2003 “Portfolio of Mine-Related Projects,” the United Nations states, “It appears certain that most of the belligerents, including all international allies, have laid landmines extensively, especially along the successive confrontation lines.”[46]

Mines continued to be used in the DRC in this reporting period, especially in and around Bunia since the end of 2002. A number of mine casualties have occurred and stockpiles of mines have been found in places where no mines or casualties had formerly been reported, such as in the Ituri district of Oriental province, where savage fighting has been taking place since December 2002.[47] In his May 2003 report on the DRC to the Security Council, the UN Secretary-General states, “The [MONUC] mission will also advocate that all parties stop the use of landmines and provide information on mined areas.”[48]

The DRC states that it has ceased using antipersonnel mines in the territories under government control since its accession to the Mine Ban Treaty.[49] Landmine Monitor has not received any allegations of mine use by government forces in the past two years. An official said it had been impossible for the government to stop or punish use of antipersonnel mines by other forces engaged in the ongoing fighting in the east of the country.[50] Under Article 9 of the Mine Ban Treaty, a State Party must take all appropriate measures “to prevent and suppress” use of antipersonnel mines “by persons or on territory under its jurisdiction or control.”

Allegations of Use by Non-state Actors

As reported in Landmine Monitor Report 2002, on 3 May 2002, at a mine ban workshop in Kinshasa, the RCD-Goma admitted having used mines, but stated that “it adhered to the principles of the Mine Ban Treaty and would try to respect it.”[51] However, since then Landmine Monitor has gathered information from numerous sources regarding the ongoing use of antipersonnel mines by RCD-Goma, in joint combat operations with the UPC.

In October 2002, the UN Secretary-General said, “Reportedly, UPC has used mines in the recent fighting around Bunia.”[52] In his report of February 2003, the Secretary-General stated, “The period since my last report has seen a worrying increase in the use of mines and improvised explosive devices in the north-east both in Ituri and in the recent operations between RCD-K/ML and MLC in the Isiro-Beni area. Specific reports have been received of mine-related incidents in Bunia, Nyankunde, Rethy, Oicha, and Manguina.”[53]

A DRC-based NGO reported from Bunia that the RCD-ML accused the UPC of having used landmines in Ituri during fighting between the two forces in 2002.[54] Numerous sources have stated that RCD-Goma, together with UPC and the Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR), systematically mined the city of Bunia before their retreat in March 2003.[55] When an Agence France Presse journalist visited Bunia in April 2003, about a dozen people were being treated in the hospital for landmine injuries sustained on the outskirts of the town.[56] On 19 May 2003, a 25-year-old man lost his right hand when a mine exploded in the central marketplace of Bunia.[57]

The UPC/RCD-Goma coalition reportedly also used mines in Mandro, Mwanga, Mahagi, Ngongo and Tsai.[58] Between January and March 2003, after the UPC left Lendu Ngiti between Gety and Bogoro, they are reported to have planted mines along the road.[59] In April 2003, it was reported that a Ugandan soldier died in early 2003 from a mine blast in Irumu, 40 kilometers west of Bunia.[60] When the UPC attacked the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) tactical headquarters at the airport, they reportedly planted four mines across the airport road.[61] In return, the UPC has accused the Lendu militia, supported by the RCD-ML, of using antivehicle and antipersonnel mines in the city of Bunia, on the road between Bunia-Nyakunde-Komanda and also in Nyakundu, in January 2003.[62]

In October 2002, the RCD-ML accused the MLC of using antipersonnel mines in Mambassa. RCD-ML claims to have found stocks of antipersonnel mines abandoned by the MLC during its retreat from Mambasa.[63] Various sources have alleged that the MLC and the RCD-National used antipersonnel mines between May and September 2002 in Gombari over a five-kilometer area between the military base of Gombari and the Indula River, and in Wamba, at the Betongwe-Wamba crossroad.[64] According to health personnel of the Haut Uélé district, both antivehicle mines and antipersonnel mines were used.[65]

Rwanda

Rwanda has reportedly supported RCD-Goma, UPC and its Hema allies, all of whom have allegedly used antipersonnel mines in the reporting period. The nature and extent of Rwanda’s support is not clear. Under Article 1 of the Mine Ban Treaty, a State Party may not “under any circumstance...assist, encourage or induce, in any way, anyone to engage in any activity that is prohibited to a State Party under this Convention.”

Landmine Problem, Survey and Assessment

No nationwide survey or assessment has been conducted in the DRC. Officials have stressed the need for an urgent Landmine Impact Survey.[66] A technical survey, to be carried out with the Republic of Congo and Angola on their common borders, is also contemplated.[67]

The DRC's first Article 7 Report gives information on suspected mine-contaminated areas on its territory, which was provided by the Mine Action Coordination Center (MACC), established under MONUC.[68] But, the MACC has emphasized that their maps are only as good as the underlying information, which is not confirmed in most cases.[69] The report lists 165 sites in 11 of the provinces of the country. Areas mined or suspected to be mined include:

  • Bandundu Province: Kahungula and Tembo (Kwango district).
  • Bas-Congo Province: Yema (Boma district); Kimpangu, Kindopolo and Songololo (Cataractes district); Kasangulu, Mvululu and Tampa (Lukaya district); and Ango Ango (Matadi district).
  • Equateur Province: Basankusu, Bolomba, Bolongo, Bomongo, Boso-Semodja, Edugulu-Libaha, Losombo and Mondjo (Equateur district); Mbandaka (Mbandake district); Akula and Lisala (Mongala district); Businga, Gbadolite, Karawa and Popolo (Ubangi North district); Budjala, Gemena and Libenge (Ubangi South district); and Anzi, Befori, Boende, Bokungu, Bomandja, Bongoi, Bulukutu, Ene, Ikeal, Maboka, Monde, Mondombe, Pombo, Yalusaka and Yayenga (Tshuapa district).
  • Western Kasai Province: Domiongo and Tshikapa (Kasi district); and Bena-Leka, Beya-Bwanga, Bululu, Dimbelenge, Diomba, Mpoyi, Mwetshi and Tshimbadi (Lulua district).
  • Eastern Kasai Province: Gandajika, Kabinda, Kamana, Kileta, Kitenge, Lubap, Senteri, Tangala and Tunda (Kabinda district); Mbuji-Mayi (Mbuji-Maji district); Lusambo and Pumbu (Sankuru district); and Kadimadiba and Miabi (Tshilenge district).
  • Katanga Province: Pweto (Haut-Katanga district); Kateba (Haut-Lomami district); Dilolo (Lualaba district); Ruashi (Lubumbashi district); and Ankoro, Bendera, Butondo, Kabalo, Kabula, Kabumba, Kakuyu, Kalemie, Kamubangwa, Kasinge, Kilembwe, Kioko, Kongolo, Manono, Mbulula, Moba, Moliro, Muhuya, Nyunza and Pepa (Tanganika district).
  • Kinshasa Province: Kinshasa.
  • Maniema Province: Amisi, Bitule, Kabambare, Kabumba, Kalima, Kalombe-Nyama, Kima, Kindu, Kowe, Lubutu, Makalele, Mogogo, Punia and Sulia (Maniema district).
  • North Kivu Province: Beni, Eringite, Goma, Muhanga and Walikale (North Kivu district).
  • Orientale Province: Aketi, Bili, Buta, Dingila and Kumu (Bas-Uele district); Bambu and Watsa (Haut-Uele district); Aru, Badiya, Bambu, Bogoro, Bule, Bunia, Chai, Dele, Fataki, Irumu, Itende, Komanda, Lengabo, Mahagi, Mambasa, Moanga, Mongbwalu, Ndrele, Nizi, Nyakunde, Rethy, Songolo and Zumbe (Ituri district); Bangboka and Kisangani (Kisangani district); and Bafwasende, Banalia, Basoko, Bengamisa, Lobolo, Maiko, Mombongo, Opala, Simba, Ubundu, Wanie-Rukula, Yahila and Yahuma (Tshopo district).
  • South Kivu Province: Baraka, Fizi, Lueba, Runingo, Shabunda, Uvira and Walungu (South Kivu district).

Handicap International Belgium also provided information on mine-affected areas in the DRC, which has been gathered through several preliminary landmine impact surveys and emergency assessment missions carried out in 2002 and 2003. Between June and November 2002, HIB conducted a socio-economic landmine impact survey in five mine-affected areas around the city of Kisangani, Oriental Province: Kandangba, Ngene Ngene, La Forestière, Bangboka and Batiebombe.[70]

Between July 2002 and March 2003, HIB also carried out a Landmine Impact Survey in Kisangani,[71] and several preliminary impact surveys/emergency assessment missions, including: on the corridors between Kisangani-Banalia and Kisangani-Isangi;[72] between Kisangani-Bafwasende;[73] in Ikela;[74] in Kindu[75] on the Kindu-Kalima-Shabunda corridor,[76] and in Djolu and Bokungu.[77] The objectives of those missions were to locate mine/UXO-affected areas, to evaluate the socio-economic impact of mines and UXO on the population and to make a census of the victims.[78] At the same time, minefields or suspected areas were marked and antipersonnel mines and UXO were recorded and photographed to facilitate future clearance operations.[79]

In addition to the sites reported by the MACC in the DRC Article 7 report, HIB found an additional 22 suspected mine-affected sites in seven of the same provinces.[80]

These include:

  • Equateur Province: Bumba-Ndobo (railway bridge) and Businga.
  • Eastern Kasai Province: Katako-Kombe.
  • Katanga Province: Kisele and Kashumbuyu.
  • Maniema Province: Kasongo, Kibombo, Lubefu, railway Kibombo-Kongolo, Nyoka-Pangi, Kampene and Kasese.
  • North Kivu Province: Goma.
  • Oriental Province: Banalia, Ikela, Tchabi (Ituri district);[81] Mungbere (Haut-Uele district); Bambessa and Poko (Bas Uele district).[82]
  • South Kivu Province: It is believed that Makobolo and the Ruzizi Valley near the border with Burundi, are mined too.[83]

Information from HIB’s reports gives snapshots of the landmine problem in some of the mine-affected sites. For example, in Bokungu and Boende, in Equateur Province, in the Boende-Bokungu corridor, on both sides of the Tshuapa River, eleven areas are suspected to be mined. In 2002, one of them, Bowe, was only partially cleared by the Congolese Armed Forces. Areas that have been abandoned due as they are suspected mined include a palm plantation in Yakomba, the Momata harbor in Bokungu, and the forest between Isambo harbor and the village of Elongo in Boanga.[84]

In Kindu, in Maniema Province, the population suspects former Rwandese positions to be contaminated with antipersonnel mines. Although Mechem verified the proximity of the airstrips of Kindu as being mine-free, people abandoned vast areas surrounding the airport. The city of Kindu and its surroundings are polluted by UXO.[85]

Between June and November 2002, the socio-economic impact survey carried out by HIB in five mine-affected areas around the city of Kisangani, in Oriental Province -- Bangboka, Batiebombe, Kandangba, La Forestière, and Ngene Ngene – provided information about the impact of the mines. In the area surveyed, antipersonnel mines were laid in 1997 by Mobutu’s army and Yugoslav mercenaries mainly on routes to halt the progression of Kabila's AFDL (Alliance des Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Congo), and to protect strategic points. After Kabila seized power, areas were partially cleared between May and August 1998 by AFDL deminers, but when RCD took control of the region, mine clearance ceased.[86] So far two minefields have been identified in Kandangba: four hectares north of a former base camp of Yugoslav mercenaries, and another 30 hectares to the right of PK 21[87] coming from Kisangani.[88] Yugoslav PMA2s, Belgian M35s, American M2A4s, Italian TS50s and Chinese 72 mines have been found.[89]

Some 17,000 Ugandan soldiers had been stationed in La Forestière, and in 2000, they allegedly mined the access routes to their three camps. The majority of mines were removed when they left La Forestière, however landmine incidents have continued to happen.[90] Uganda has denied using mines in the DRC. Over the five areas surveyed around Kisangani, a total of 1,310 hectares of land are suspected to be mined and an estimated 17,000 people are exposed to the danger of mines between Kisangani and PK 21.[91] More than 90 percent of the people who enter dangerous areas do so to tend crops.[92] Between 85 and 98 percent of the persons who enter mined areas are aware of the presence of mines, but have only an approximate knowledge of their location. So, while taking risks, they also often avoid vast areas or entire roads, although there may only be a few mines. At least 1,000 persons have had to abandon cultivated fields.[93]

Other suspected sites in Oriental Province include the Kisangani-Bafwasende corridor, where twelve villages were mined by Mobutu’s army in 1997. The inhabitants have abandoned forests, water wells, a graveyard, plantations and other cultivatable fields.[94] In Ikela, at least 100 hectares of fertile soil and two water wells have been abandoned.[95] In Bengamisa, mines were allegedly laid by the Rwandans in 1998 to protect a mass grave of refugees from Biaro, and approximately one hectare has been abandoned, which used to be used for hunting and foraging. An access site to the Lindi River for fishing also is no longer used.[96] Finally, in Ituri district, mines reportedly planted by the UPC, and earlier by the Armée Populaire du Congo, have caused humanitarian agencies to limit the reach of their operational areas.[97] For example, on 24 May 2003, a spokeswoman of UN investigators looking into allegations of massacres said, “We have received information about new corpses, but in a place we can not reach because of landmines.”[98] Thousands of people fleeing the fighting in this area are on the move, camping out in forests littered with landmines.[99] Mines have also reportedly been placed around wells, maiming people who have gone to fetch water.[100]

Mine Action Funding

The DRC has no national budget for mine action. An official said it will be considered when a national action plan is formulated.[101]

A January 2002 UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) program, “Mine Action Assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo,” was funded through the UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Mine Action (VTF). However, UNMAS subsequently requested that funds be allocated under the MONUC Assessed Budget from July 2002 through June 2003, and a new project was established: “Mine Action in support of MONUC.” Accordingly, UNMAS and UNOPS signed a memorandum of agreement for this project in August 2002, which provided funding for four international experts and three demining contracts. All other costs were provided through VTF.[102]

Canada provided US$23,574 for conference support and $3,132 for mine risk education activities in the DRC.[103]

For 2002, HIB received €1,500,000 (US$1,450,000) from Belgium for its program in Kisangani,[104] which helped support five international staff and 62 local staff in Kisangani.[105] In August 2002, US AID, through the Omega program, allocated $792,024 to HIB to be spent over three years on its rehabilitation work in DRC.[106]

Coordination and Planning

The National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines was created on 6 May 2002.[107] In addition to coordinating all mine action activities, its tasks include development of an action plan, writing the Article 7 reports, promoting the understanding of the Mine Ban Treaty, mobilizing international help and expertise, and educating the public about the danger of mines.[108] However, five years of war have hindered the DRC’s ability to elaborate a mine action plan.[109] The DRC has stressed the need for an urgent national Landmine Impact Survey in order to be able to create any realistic and efficient action plan or to set determining priorities.[110]

Under UN Security Council Resolution 1291 of 2000, MONUC established a Mine Action Coordination Center (MACC) in Kinshasa and a regional MACC office in Kisangani in February 2002. The focal point for mine action in the DRC, MACC is to provide expertise to MONUC, to the national authorities, and to the humanitarian community, through coordination and assistance in implementing mine action activities.[111] Its primary objectives are to develop and maintain a reliable mine/UXO information system, based on the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA); to deploy several mobile survey teams to implement emergency surveys; to implement emergency mine action activities; and to assist UNICEF in developing a nationwide prevention campaign.[112] MACC will also assist MONUC in implementing urgent survey operations of suspected mined airfields.[113] Its goal is also “as soon as the situation allows, to assist the national authorities in developing a medium to long term mine action plan.” [114]

From May to December 2002, the MACC collected a number of mine-related reports from various organizations, which were loaded into the Dangerous Area module of IMSMA.[115] This form was used in Form C of the Article 7 Report of 30 April 2003. All of these reports require verification, which is to be one of the key tasks of the MACC in 2003.[116] On 29 January 2003, DRC authorities delegated the power of accreditation of NGOs active in mine action and of mine clearance quality control to the MACC.[117]

Mine Clearance

Most parties to the conflict in the DRC conducted military mine clearance in the past to facilitate the movement of their own troops.[118] In 2002 this was the case in Bunia and on the Bunia-Nyakunde-Komanda road, in Ituri District, Oriental Province by UPC.[119] In November 2002, the Army conducted clearance in Bowe, in the Boende to Bokungu corridor, in Equateur province.[120]

MONUC has cleared areas where UN observers operate in Ikela, Kindu and Bunia.[121] In Kindu, the immediate proximity of the runways of the airport has been verified as mine-free by Mechem, the South African commercial demining firm.[122] Mechem has also cleared the Manono airport in Katanga, under MONUC contract.[123]

Handicap International Belgium is the only NGO carrying out humanitarian mine clearance in the DRC. In 2002, HIB's demining team was composed of 28 local deminers, trained by HIB, one technical advisor and one senior technical advisor.[124] Three more deminers and one mechanic have been trained to use a vegetation cutter called the Tempest, which reduces grass cutting time by up to 80 percent in areas of heavy vegetation/swamp.[125] It is produced in Cambodia by a non-profit organization, employing landmine survivors.[126]

Between June 2001 and April 2003, HIB cleared 25,756 square meters in Kisangani and surrounding areas: 1,424 square meters at the Mutumbi school; 2,764 square meters in La Forestière; and 21,568 square meters in Kadangba. A total of 34 antipersonnel mines were found.[127]

Since May 2003, HIB’s mine clearance, survey and data collection programs have been suspended for lack of funds; personnel have been reduced to 15. MRE activities continue.[128] During its 2002-2003 landmine surveys/assessments, dangerous areas were marked.[129]

In Wamba, Watsha and Mungbere in Haut Uélé district, the local population marked mined areas as dangerous.[130] Local populations have also cleared mines and UXO, as in the case in Kandangba and Batiebombe (Kisangani, Oriental Province), where people threw them in holes or in rivers.[131]

In March 2003, the Danish NGO DanChurchAid conducted an exploratory mission to DRC, to evaluate the socio-economic impact of landmines.[132] It is planning a program for mine clearance, mine risk education and victim assistance.[133]

Mine Risk Education

The DRC has no national mine risk education (MRE) plan.[134] Handicap International Belgium is the main actor providing MRE in the DRC, but only in Kisangani and its surroundings up to 122 kilometers.[135] In 2002, HIB conducted 99 sensitization sessions, reaching 34,109 people.[136] Additionally, in October 2002, HIB conducted 16 sessions, which benefited 3,081 people in Ikela, Oriental Province.[137] Between January and March 2003, another 17 MRE sessions were held, for 1,739 persons.[138] Locations are chosen for their proximity to combat zones, military bases and camps, and areas where incidents took place or are suspected to be mined.[139]

MRE activities are either “direct” (20 to 45 minute sessions focused on raising awareness of the danger of mines and UXO and educating people about appropriate behavior when facing mine danger) or “intensive” (three consecutive days of training, focused on educating children and their parents through creative workshops and presentations).[140] Messages about the danger of mines are also played on National Congolese Television and Radio and on Tele Boyoma.[141] The MRE sessions are considered successful, as no civilian casualties occurred in Kisangani in the reporting period.[142]

UNICEF has reported that it works through UNMAS to inform and educate children and adults about the danger of landmines/UXO and to enhance community based projects, especially in high impacted areas.[143] UNICEF, UNHCR and MACC are preparing a MRE project for Angolan refugees living in the DRC who are expected to be repatriated to Angola in 2003.[144]

The Congolese Physicians for Peace have organized four training sessions on the mine issue for NGOs in Kisangani.[145] The Kinshasa-based NGO Agence de Diffusion du Droit International Humanitaire en Afrique Centrale conducted a few sensitization sessions through theater and songs.[146]

Landmine Casualties

The DRC has no nation-wide data collection mechanism[147] and instability within the country makes comprehensive information on landmine/UXO casualties difficult to obtain. In 2002, there were at least 32 new mine/UXO casualties in the DRC. In April 2002, an antivehicle mine destroyed a minibus in Barraka, South Kivu, causing 18 civilian casualties.[148] An incident in Ikela, on 13 May 2002, killed one peacekeeper, a colonel from Algeria, and injured another, a major from India.[149] In Kindu, Maniema Province, at least one civilian was killed in a UXO incident.[150] In December 2002, a Congolese deminer, working with HIB, lost a leg after stepping on a mine in La Forestière. He was evacuated to a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.[151] Landmine Monitor recorded another ten new mine casualties in 2002.[152]

The MACC database recorded 18 new mine casualties in 2002.[153]

In 2001, Landmine Monitor recorded 135 new mine casualties, including 92 military personnel,[154] whereas the MACC recorded only 9 new mine casualties in the same period,[155] giving an indication of the difficulties in providing comprehensive statistics on mine casualties in the DRC.

Between June 2002 and April 2003, HIB conducted a survey on mine and UXO casualties in Kisangani and areas within a 150-kilometer radius. The survey recorded a total of 87 mine/UXO casualties, of which 53 occurred in 1997, six in 1998, two in 1999, 21 in 2000, two in 2001, and three in 2002. The majority of incidents, 76 percent, occurred on tracks in the bush. Civilians accounted for 88 percent of the casualties, and 42 percent were fleeing a conflict or returning to their homes after a conflict.[156]

The MACC database contains records on 257 mine casualties including 42 children, since 1965; 120 people were killed, 136 injured, and one reported no physical injuries. The majority, 219 casualties, occurred in the period from 1997 to June 2003.[157]

The MACC recorded ten new mine casualties to June 2003.[158] Reported incidents include a Ugandan soldier killed in a mine blast in Irumu, 40 kilometers west of Bunia, in early 2003.[159] On 26 April 2003, a Russian military observer with the UN Mission in DRC (MONUC) was killed and another seriously injured when their vehicle drove over a mine at Komanda, 60 kilometers south of Bunia. The survivor was evacuated to Kisangani.[160]

Survivor Assistance

The health care system in the DRC has deteriorated, facilities are limited if not destroyed, there are insufficient medical and paramedical personnel to meet the needs, and there is a lack of equipment and medicines.[161] Two out of three casualties reportedly die because of the lack of appropriate assistance.[162] Of the estimated 400 health centers in the DRC, 212 have reportedly been closed.[163]

The ICRC works with the Red Cross Society of Democratic Republic of the Congo (RCDRC) to train first-aid volunteers and stretcher-bearers. In 2002, this program trained 2,200 first aid volunteers and 500 army stretcher-bearers in first-aid. The ICRC supplied 9 first aid posts, and treated 188 war-wounded.[164]

Although the cease-fire made the military situation calmer than in previous years, hospitals in the DRC still lacked the materials and skilled staff needed to give the war-wounded appropriate treatment. In the east, the ICRC continued its regular support for hospitals in Kisangani, Uvira and Kalemie, and gave ad hoc support to other facilities. It also assisted hospitals treating the war wounded in Kinshasa, Kamina and Lubumbashi, in the west. An ICRC surgeon spent one month working with Congolese surgeons and giving on-the-job training in government controlled areas, while another made several teaching missions to cities in the East. The ICRC is assisting seven hospitals on an ongoing basis. In 2002, these hospitals admitted over 12,700 patients including over 590 war-wounded (one percent of which were mine-injured).[165]

In Kinshasa, the RCDRC, in cooperation with the ICRC, run the Kalembe-Lembe prosthetic/orthotic workshop. In 2002, the center produced 182 prostheses, 14 orthoses, and distributed 222 pairs of crutches.[166] Two prostheses and two orthoses were for mine survivors. People pay for services according to their income. The production cost for prostheses is US$600-700, but most people pay only about one-third of the cost.[167] Since 1 January 2003, the RCDRC has managed the workshop, but the ICRC continues to provide direct assistance to war amputees.[168]

In Goma, the Shirika la Umoja center provides physical rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration for persons with disabilities, including landmine survivors.[169]

In Mbuji-Mayi, HIB supports a rehabilitation center based in the Saint Jean-Baptiste Hospital. In 2002, the center produced 217 orthoses, 15 crutches and other assistive devices. The center provided assistance to about 1,000 people, but few landmine survivors are reported in the area. The project is funded by the European Union, in the framework of the PATS program.[170]

In Kisangani, the Simana Rehabilitation Center provides physical rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration for persons with disabilities, including mine survivors. In 2002, the center assisted eight mine survivors. Three received tricycles and wheelchairs, and the other five received crutches and benefited from physiotherapy treatments. MONUC bought tricycles for two mine survivors and three war victims. In 2002, the center received U.S.$15,000 from MONUC.[171]

NGOs and other agencies also supported individual mine survivors. Caritas Kisangani provides financial support to the families of two mine survivors,[172] and the ICRC assisted a thirteen-year-old girl who lost both legs after a mine incident. She was transferred to the Shirika la Umoja rehabilitation center in Goma to be fitted with prostheses.[173]

At the local level persons with disabilities are assisted by CENAPHI (National Center of Professional Training for the Physically Disabled – Centre National d'Apprentissage Professionnel pour Handicapés et Invalides Physiques), INAV (National Institute for Bline Men – Institut National pour les Aveugles), ISMK (Institute for the Deaf – Institut pour les Sourds-Muets), CAP (Women’s Center for Professional Training – Centre d'Apprenstissage Professionnel), the Kikesa center (professional training and income generating activities) and FECOPEHA (Congolese Federation for Persons with Disabilities – Fédération Congolaise des Personnes Handicapées).[174]

Disability Police and Practice

The DRC has no specific legislation for mine survivors, but acknowledges their obligations under the Mine Ban Treaty to provide assistance, and reportedly seeks legal advice to draft appropriate legislation.[175] On 3 May 2002, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative stated that, according to a decree of the transitional government, all persons with disabilities have access to healthcare, education and jobs within the administration.[176] Mine survivors are classified under the category “vulnerable” without distinction to the cause of their disability.[177]

The Ministry of Defense is responsible for issues relating to disabled military personnel. The Coordination Department of Rehabilitation Activities for People with Disabilities (DICOREPHA, Direction de Coordination des activités de réadaptation des personnes handicapées), under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Family, is responsible for all issues relating to persons with disabilities.[178]

In February 2002, a social fund for mine survivors was created at the level of the Presidency of the DRC.[179]


[1] For more information about the agreements, see “Second special report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” UN Security Council, S/2003/566, 27 May 2003.
[2] UN, “Portfolio of Mine-Related Projects: 2003,” October 2002, p. 98, available at www.mineaction.org.
[3] “Second special report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” UN Security Council, S/2003/566, 27 May 2003.
[4] UN, “Portfolio of Mine-Related Projects: 2003,” October 2002, p. 98.
[5] Ministerial Decree No. 0001 of 6 May 2002, reported in Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[6] Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[7] Interview with Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Director, International Organizations, DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Brazzaville (Republic of Congo), 8 May 2003; see also, Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[8] Interview with Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, Vice-President of the DRC National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines, Brazzaville (Republic of Congo), 7 May 2003.
[9] Invitation to the ICBL to the workshop, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and Francophonie of the Republic of Congo and the Canadian Embassy in the Republic of Congo, 9 April 2003.
[10] Press release after the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 8 May 2003.
[11] Interview with Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, 7 May 2003; interview with Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Director of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Capt. Kanyamukenge, Vice-President of the DRC National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines, during the Standing Committee meetings, Geneva, 14 May 2003.
[12] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 195.
[13] Interview with Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, 7 May 2003.
[14] Ministerial Note n° MDN/CAB/11/903/2003; Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[15] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 195.
[16] Interview with Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, 7 May 2003.
[17] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, pp. 195-196.
[18] Interview with Col. Ngizo, RCD-Goma, Kinshasa, December 2002; interview with Jean-Pierre Lola Kisanga, Spokesman, RCD-Goma, Goma, 25 December 2002.
[19] Interviews with refugees from Ituri refugee camp in Kampala, April 2003; José Deschartes (journalist), on Radio Okapi, discussing MONUC mission report, April 2003.
[20] Interviews with Stephane Jooris, Program Director, and Jerome Cassou, Coordinator, Survey and Data Collection Program, Handicap International Belgium, Kisangani, 20 March 2003; HIB, Table: “Bilan enlèvements et destructions de stocks de munitions par HIB entre 11/2002 et 05/2003,” May 2003.
[21] Interview with military officers of RCD-Goma, Kisangani, February 2003.
[22] “Rival Militias Sign Cease Fire Deal,” IRIN, 31 December 2002. Signing the cease-fire were Jean-Pierre Bemba for MLC, Roger Lumbala for RCD-N, and Mbusa Nyamwisi for RCD-ML.
[23] “Rival Militias Sign Cease Fire Deal,” IRIN, 31 December 2002.
[24] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 196.
[25] “UN blows up mines,” IRIN, 7 April 2003.
[26] Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[27] Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Director of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the Standing Committee meeting on Stockpile Destruction, Geneva, 15 May 2003; interview with Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi and Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, Geneva, 14 May 2003.
[28] Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 15 May 2003; interview with Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi and Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, 14 May 2003.
[29] Presentation by Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, Vice-President of the National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines, at the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003; Ministerial Note n° MDN/CAB/02/3176/2002; Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[30] Presentation by Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, 7 May 2003; Ministerial note MDN/CAB/11/628/2003; Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[31] Presentation by Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, 7 May 2003.
[32] Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 15 May 2003.
[33] Email to Landmine Monitor from Jerome Cassou, Survey Manager, HIB, 4 June 2003; HIB, “Bilan UXO trouvés à Kisangani en 2002.”
[34] Article 7 Report, Form G, 30 April 2003.
[35] Interview with Mark Russel, Head Office Senior Technical Advisor, HIB, Brussels, 4 June 2003; HIB, Table: “Bilan enlèvements et destructions de stocks de munitions par HIB entre 11/2002 et 05/2003,” May 2003.
[36] HIB, Table: “Bilan enlèvements et destructions de stocks de munitions par HIB entre 11/2002 et 05/2003,” May 2003.
[37] Several interviews with political and military leaders of the RCD-Goma in Goma and in Kisangani in December 2002 and January 2003; interview with an unnamed ANC Battalion Commander, Yahuma, 7 December 2002.
[38] Article 7 Report, Form G, 30 April 2003.
[39] Ibid.; “UN soldier killed, another wounded, in DR Congo mine blast,” Agence France Presse, 26 April 2003; information given by MONUC on Radio Okapi, 18 March 2003; interview with Ugandan military in Bunia, March 2003.
[40] HIB, Table, May 2003.
[41] HIB, “Bilan des Activités EOD,” May 2003.
[42] “Dirigente anuncia uso de minas anti-pessoal pelo MLC” (Leader announces use of antipersonnel mines by MLC), IRIN, 29 October 2002.
[43] Report by José Deschartes, Radio Okapi, April 2003; interviews with members of eight families of antipersonnel mine victims in Ituri, between January and April 2003; letter to Landmine Monitor (CCP), from Bernnard Mbula Lombhe Musongela, member of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War/DRC, 30 March 2003.
[44] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, pp. 196-198.
[45] Ibid.
[46] UN, “Portfolio of Mine-Related Projects: 2003,” October 2002, p. 99.
[47] “Second Special Report of the Secretary General on the UNO mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” UN Security Council, S/2003/566, 27 May 2003, par. 14. The report states, “On 26 April 2003 at Komanda, one military observer has been killed and another wounded in a landmine accident on a road that had previously been used by MONUC patrols. The team has been evacuated for the time being because of...mine threats.”
[48] UN Security Council, S/2003/566, 27 May 2003, par. 65.
[49] Interview with Jean-Paul Yamba Kanzi, Political Advisor at the DRC Embassy, Kampala, Uganda, 10 February 2003; telephone interview with Noel Obotela Rachid, Governor of Oriental Province, based in Kinshasa, 15 January 2003; email from Noel Obotela Rachid, Governor of Oriental Province, 15 January 2003.
[50] Interview with Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, and Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, 14 May 2003.
[51] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, pp. 195-196.
[52] “Twelfth Report of the Secretary-General on the UNO Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” UN Security Council, S/2002/1180, 18 October 2002, p. 14.
[53] “Thirteenth report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” UN Security Council, S/2003/211, 21 February 2003, p. 14.
[54] Email to Landmine Monitor from M. Honore, Director, NGO Justice Plus, Bunia, 16 June 2003.
[55] Information given by MONUC on Radio Okapi, 14 March 2003; telephone interviews with Bernard Mbula Lombhe Musongela, Anaclet Timambwenda Bashara and Bishop Banga, Delegates of the Civil Society of Ituri, 25 March 2003; interview with Dieudonné Upira, representative of the NGO “Malaria Plus,” Kisangani, 20 March 2003; interviews with leaders of the Hema and Lendu communities, based in Kisangani, between January and March 2003.
[56] “Civilian wounded as landmine explodes in Bunia,” Agence France Presse, 19 May 2003.
[57] Ibid; “Two UN Observers ‘savagely’ killed in DRC's Ituri Region,” Agence France Presse, 19 May 2003.
[58] Interviews with refugees from Ituri refugee camp in Kampala, April 2003; Letter from Bernard Bula Musongela, Congolese Physicians for Peace, Bunia.
[59] “Ituri Braces for Ugandan Pullout,” IRIN, 17 April 2003.
[60] Ibid.
[61] Ibid.
[62] Ibid; interviews with local population of Nyakunde and Komanda, January 2003; interview with UPC member, Kisangani, 22 January 2003; interview with two student representatives from Ituri, Kisangani, 22 January 2003; interview with Monseigneur Banga from Buta, Kisangani, 22 January 2003.
[63] “Dirigente anuncia uso de minas anti-pessoal pelo MLC” (Leader announces use of antipersonnel mines by MLC), IRIN, 29 October 2002.
[64] Interviews with health personnel of the Haut Uélé district during the yearly health review organized by UNICEF, Kisangani, December 2002; information given by the Delegates of the Civil Society of the Haut Uélé district at the General Assembly of the Civil Society of the Oriental Province, Kisangani, January 2003.
[65] Ibid.
[66] Presentation of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Director of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003; Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 14 May 2003.
[67] Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 14 May 2003.
[68] Article 7 Report, Form C and attachments, 30 April 2003.
[69] UN, “Annual Report 2002 for the Mine Action Assistance Programme to the Democratic Republic of Congo,” available at www.mineaction.org (accessed 1 May 2003).
[70] HIB, “Rapport sur l'impact socio-économique des mines/UXO à Kisangani: choix des sites à déminer en priorité,” December 2002.
[71] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation des Mines/UXO à Kisangani,” April 2003.
[72] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO sur les axes Kisangani-Banalia (jusqu'au PK 62) et Kisangani-Isangi (PK 125), Province Orientale,” February 2003.
[73] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO sur l'Axe Kisangani-Bafwasende (PK21 à 122), Province Orientale,” February 2003.
[74] HIB, “Rapport de Mission, Ikela, 19-25 July 2002.”
[75] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO à Kindu, Province du Maniema,” January 2003.
[76] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO sur l'Axe Kindu-Kalima-Shabunda, Province du Maniema et Sud Kivu,” April 2003.
[77] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO dans les Territoires de Djolu et Bokungu, Province de l'Equateur,” April 2003.
[78] Interviews with Stephane Jooris and Jerome Cassou, HIB, 20 March 2003.
[79] Ibid.
[80] HIB, “Zones polluées/suspctées polluées par mines et UXO en RDC,” April 2003.
[81] “Ituri Braces for Ugandan Pullout,” IRIN, 17 April 2003.
[82] Information given by health personnel of the Haut Uélé district at the annual health review organized by UNICEF in December 2002.
[83] “Twelfth Report of the Secretary-General on The UNO Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” UN Security Council, S/2002/1180, 18 October 2002, p. 14.
[84] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO dans les Territoires de Djolu et Bokungu, Province de l'Equateur,” April 2003.
[85] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO à Kindu, Province du Maniema,” January 2003.
[86] HIB, “Rapport sur l'impact socio-économique des mines/UXO à Kisangani,” December 2002, pp. 5-6.
[87] PK 21 indicates a point 21 kilometers along a road out of Kisangani.
[88] HIB, “Rapport sur l'impact socio-économique des mines/UXO à Kisangani,” December 2002, pp. 5-6.
[89] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO à Kisangani,” April 2003, p. 3.
[90] HIB, “Rapport sur l'impact socio-économique des mines/UXO à Kisangani,” December 2002, pp. 5-6.
[91] Ibid, pp. 3-4. In Kandangba, 100 hectares are considered mine-affected; in Ngene Ngene, 30 hectares; in La Forestière, 150 hectares; in Bangboka, 1,000 hectares; and in Batiebombe, 30 hectares.
[92] Ibid, pp. 7-8.
[93] Ibid, pp. 8-11.
[94] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO sur l'Axe Kisangani-Bafwasende (PK21 à 122), Province Orientale,” February 2003.
[95] HIB, “Rapport de Mission, Ikela, 19-25 July 2002.”
[96] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO sur les axes Kisangani-Banalia (jusqu'au PK 62) et Kisangani-Isangi (PK 125), Province Orientale,” February 2003.
[97] “Ituri Braces for Ugandan Pullout,” IRIN, 17 April 2003; “UN blows up mines,” IRIN, 7 April 2003.
[98] “UN investigators reach site of DR Congo clashes,” Agence France Presse, 24 May 2003.
[99] “Congo town ready for French, anyone, to end war,” Reuters, 16 May 2003.
[100] “Ituri Braces for Ugandan Pullout,” IRIN, 17 April 2003.
[101] Interview with Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 8 May 2003.
[102] UN, “Annual Report 2002.”
[103] UN Mine Action Investments Database.
[104] Email to Landmine Monitor from Koen Baetens, Assistant, Mine Ban Policy Unit, HIB, 2 May 2003.
[105] Email to Landmine Monitor from Jerome Cassou, Survey Manager, HIB, 4 June 2003.
[106] Email to Landmine Monitor (HRW) from William Brown, Program Administrator, Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, 17 July 2003.
[107] Ministerial Decree n° 0001 of 6 May 2002; Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[108] Presentation by Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 7 May 2003.
[109] Ibid.
[110] Ibid; Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 14 May 2003.
[111] UN, “Portfolio of Mine-Related Projects 2003,” October 2002, p. 99.
[112] Ibid; “Landmines in Africa”, Journal of Mine Action, Issue 6.2, 2002, pp. 6-7.
[113] Ibid.
[114] Ibid.
[115] UN, “Annual Report 2002.”
[116] Ibid.
[117] Decision n° 131/131.10.1/00080/2003 of 29 January 2003; Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[118] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, pp. 200-201.
[119] Interviews with UPC members, Bunia, February 2003.
[120] HIB, “Rapport sur le Situation des Mines/UXO dans les Territoires de Djolu et Bokungu, Province de l'Equateur,” April 2003, p. 4.
[121] Information given by José Deschartes Menga Mbula, Journalist, April 2003.
[122] HIB, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO à Kindu, Province de Maniama,” January 2003, p. 5.
[123] UN, “Annual Report 2002.”
[124] Interviews with Stephane Jooris, Program Director, and with Technical Advisor and local deminers, HIB, Kisangani, 12 February 2003.
[125] Interview with Taz Khaliq, Head of Mine Action Unit, HIB, Brazzaville, 8 May 2003.
[126] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 201.
[127] HIB, “Bilan des Activités EOD,” May 2003.
[128] Interview with Mario Bucci, Program Officer, HIB, Brussels, 13 June 2003.
[129] Interview with Taz Khaliq, Head of Mine Action Unit, HIB, at the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 8 May 2003.
[130] Information given by health personnel of the Haut Uélé district at the annual health review organized by UNICEF in December 2002.
[131] HIB, “Rapport sur l'impact socio-économique des mines/UXO à Kisangani,” December 2002, p. 15.
[132] Interview with Svend Michael Olsen, Technical Consultant, DanChurchAid, Kisangani, 25 March 2003.
[133] Interview with Steven Olejas, Coordinator, Humanitarian Mine Action, DanChurchAid, Geneva, 16 May 2003.
[134] Presentation by Col. Médard Unyon-Pewu, Cabinet Director, Ministry of National Defense, at the Workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003.
[135] Interview with Taz Khaliq, Head of Mine Action Unit, HIB, Brazzaville, 8 May 2003.
[136] HIB, “Bilan des Activités de Sensibilisation,” April 2003.
[137] Ibid.
[138] Ibid.
[139] Interview with Odette Walungu, Coordinator, MRE Program, HIB, Kisangani, 14 January 2003.
[140] Ibid.
[141] Ibid.
[142] Ibid; interviews with children of the Mutumbi primary school and their parents, 29 January 2003; interviews with populations of mine affected areas in Bangboka and La Forestière, 29 January 2003; interviews with political and administrative authorities of Kisangani, 12 January 2003; interviews with chiefs of mine-affected villages along the Ituri-Lubutu road, January-March 2003.
[143] Mine Action Support Group, “Update from UNICEF” in “Newsletter: December 2002,” p. 22.
[144] Ibid.
[145] Report of Congolese Campaign to Ban Landmines, December 2002.
[146] Presentation by Col. Médard Unyon-Pewu, Cabinet Director, Ministry of National Defense, at the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003.
[147] Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Director, International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the intersessional Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 13 May 2003.
[148] UNICEF Burundi, “Mine Victims in Burundi in 2001-2002,” footnote 24, pp. 24-25.
[149] “UN Peacekeeper killed by Landmine in the DRC,” Xinhua News Agency, 13 May 2002.
[150] Email from Jerome Cassou, Survey Manager, HIB, Kisangani, 4 June 2003.
[151] Email from Taz Khaliq, Head of Mine Action Unit, HIB, 23 December 2002.
[152] Landmine Monitor analyzed data from hospital records, UN and international agencies, NGOs, and the media on incidents reported in the provinces of Equateur, Orientale, Maniema, South Kivu, and West Kasai from January 2000 to June 2002; see Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 202.
[153] Email to Landmine Monitor (HIB) from Claude N. Mushid, IT Assistant, UNMACC-DRC, 7 July 2003.
[154] Landmine Monitor analyzed data from hospital records, UN and international agencies, NGOs, and the media on incidents reported in the provinces of Equateur, Orientale, Maniema, South Kivu, and West Kasai from January 2000 to June 2002; see Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 202.
[155] Email from Claude N. Mushid, UNMACC-DRC, 7 July 2003.
[156] HIB, “Rapport sur les Victimes de Mines/UXO à Kisangani et sa Région,” (Report on the Victims of Mines/UXO in Kisangani and its Region), April 2003, pp. 2-6.
[157] Email from Claude N. Mushid, UNMACC-DRC, 7 July 2003.
[158] Ibid.
[159] “Ituri Braces for Ugandan Pullout,” IRIN, 17 April 2003.
[160] “UN soldier killed, another wounded, in DR Congo mine blast,” Agence France Presse, 26 April 2003; “UN Mission observer killed in landmine explosion,” IRIN, 28 April 2003; “UN Envoy Condemns Violence in Wake of Historic Meeting in Capital,” UN News Service, 30 April 2003.
[161] Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 13 May 2003; see also Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 202; WHO, Emergency Preparedness and Response Highlights, n. 6, July 2002, p. 2.
[162] Presentation by Mobile Kampagna, Director, National Program for Emergencies and Humanitarian Action, at the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003.
[163] “Special Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” United Nations Security Council, S/2003/566, 27 May 2003.
[164] Email to Landmine Monitor (HRW) from Kathleen Lawand, Legal Advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), 10 July 2003.
[165] Ibid.
[166] Presentation by Maarten Merkelbach, Head of Delegation, ICRC, at the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003.
[167] Presentation by Veronique Ntumba, Administrator of Health Institutions, DRC Red Cross, at the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003; ICRC Physical Rehabilitation Programs, “Annual Report 2002,” Geneva, June 2003.
[168] Email from Kathleen Lawand, ICRC, 10 July 2003.
[169] See Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 203.
[170] Email from Benoit Piret, Project Coordinator, HIB, 8 June 2003.
[171] Interviews with Reverend Martin Konings, Director, Simama Rehabilitation Center, Kisangani, 13 December 2002 and 19 February 2003; interview with Alioune Kane, Humanitarian Officer, MONUC, Kisangani, 15 December 2002; interviews with mine survivors in Simama Rehabilitation Center, Kisangani, 25 December 2002.
[172] Interview with Sister Monique Kabongo, Director, Caritas, Kisangani, 21 January 2003.
[173] Interviews with Reverend Martin Konings, Director, Simama Rehabilitation Center, and with survivor’s family, Kisangani, 14 December 2002.
[174] Presentation by Izun Okomba, Director, Ministry of Social Affairs, at the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003.
[175] Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 13 May 2003.
[176] Statement by Mindia Monga, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kinshasa, 3 May 2002.
[177] Presentation by Izun Okomba, Director, Ministry of Social Affairs, at the workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003.
[178] Ibid; HIB, “State of the World’s Disabled People: Gathering information in 16 different countries 2000-2001,” December 2002, p. 46.
[179] Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003; Statement of Ambassador Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 13 May 2003.