Table of Contents

Country Reports

LM Report 2004

Democratic Republic Of Congo

Key developments since May 2003: New mine use by rebel groups in the DRC has been reported in 2004. In a January 2004 interview, a high-level official of the rebel group UPC claimed that his forces had received antipersonnel mines and other military support from Rwanda. A draft implementation law for the Mine Ban Treaty has been approved by the Council of Ministers, but has yet to be adopted by Parliament. Announced plans to conduct an inventory of mine stockpiles have not been carried out. By June 2004, 366 dangerous areas had been registered by the UN Mine Action Coordination Center, compared to the 165 reported by the government in April 2003. Several assessment/evaluation missions were conducted by NGOs in 2004. Since the end of 2002, over 1.3 million square meters of land have been cleared by the South African firm Mechem. The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action began clearance in January 2004; in November 2003, it trained two mine action emergency response teams who later conducted battle area clearance around UN camps. In 2003, about 28,000 people attended mine risk education sessions. In 2003, UNMACC recorded 152 new mine/UXO casualties, a significant increase from the 115 new casualties recorded in 2002. In July 2003, a new orthopedic and leather tanning facility (for orthopedic shoes and prostheses) was opened in Kisangani.

Key developments since 1999: There was widespread use of antipersonnel mines until 2001. DRC government forces and rebel RCD forces have acknowledged past use of antipersonnel mines, and Landmine Monitor has cited credible allegations of use of antipersonnel mines in the DRC by the forces of the governments of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, as well as at least seven rebel groups. Smaller-scale use has continued by rebel groups in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Landmine Monitor has not received any allegations of mine use by government forces in the past three years.

The DRC acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty on 2 May 2002. A National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines was created on 6 May 2002. A domestic implementation law has been drafted. As of mid-2004, there was no stockpile destruction plan, no national mine action plan, and no mine risk education plan.

The UN Mine Action Coordination Center was established in February 2002. It has registered 366 dangerous areas. In 2002 and 2003, Handicap International reported destroying 1,660 antipersonnel mines and 119 antivehicle mines from rebel stockpiles. HI conducted a series of landmine impact surveys in various parts of the country in 2002 and 2003. Between 1999 and 2003, about 106,000 people attended mine risk education sessions. In 2002, UNMACC began collecting data on mine/UXO casualties for entry into an IMSMA database. UNMACC has recorded 780 new mine/UXO casualties since 1999. In 2002, HI started a three-year project to strengthen the capacity of the Rehabilitation Center for the Physically Handicapped (CRHP) and improve the quality of treatment.

Background

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) has been the scene of varying degrees of conflict, involving many internal and regional actors, since war broke out in 1996, toppling the decades-long rule of Mobutu Sese Seko. Countries directly and indirectly involved with various factions internally in what became known as Africa’s First World War have included Angola, Burundi, Chad, Libya, Namibia, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Virtually all forces fighting inside the country have at one point been accused of using mines and all have denied such use.

After various attempts to settle the conflict, on 3 April 2003, participants in the inter-Congolese dialogue signed the Final Act of negotiations in Sun City, South Africa, which had begun in October 2001.^[1] With this Act, they formally endorsed a series of agreements to restore peace and national sovereignty to the DRC during a transition period of two years.^[2]

However, mines reportedly continued to be used until March 2003 in the volatile eastern part of the country, and again in renewed fighting in April 2004 and May-June 2004.

Mine Ban Policy

The Democratic Republic of Congo acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty on 2 May 2002, and the treaty entered into force on 1 November 2002. President Joseph Kabila explained in early 2001 that the war in the DRC had precluded participation in the Ottawa Process and the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty, but that the context had changed and the DRC could now join.^[3]

In February 2002 a commission was created within the Ministry of Justice to prepare national implementation legislation.^[4] In 2004 it was reported that a draft law had been approved by the Council of Ministers, but had yet to be adopted by Parliament.^[5] The law is said to include penal sanctions.^[6]

A National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines was created on 6 May 2002.^[7] On 15 March 2003, the Minister of Defense issued a directive regarding cessation of the use of antipersonnel mines by military forces.^[8] However, some 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.^[9]

Various officials have declared that the fight against landmines is one of the priorities for the pacification and reconstruction of the country.^[10] At the 58^th session of the UN General Assembly, President Kabila stated that "the campaign against the proliferation of antipersonnel mines [is] needed in order to build peace in the region."^[11] At a UN General Assembly discussion of the UN mine action strategy for the period 2001-2005, the DRC ambassador to the UN, Fabien-Emery Zulu Kilo-Abi, said his nation needed legal, financial, technological and human assistance in its efforts to draw up and implement an anti-landmine program, which would also help care for victims. "There must be support for the destruction of stockpiles, as well as for the training of a national demining capacity," he added.^[12] The DRC voted in favor of the annual pro-mine ban UN General Assembly resolutions in 1998 and 1999, but has been absent from the vote for all others.

The DRC attended the Fourth Meeting of States Parties in Geneva in September 2002, and the Fifth Meeting of States Parties in Bangkok, Thailand, in September 2003. It has participated in all the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in Geneva since January 2002, including in February and June 2004.

The government submitted its initial Article 7 transparency report on 30 April 2003, covering the period 1 April 2002–30 April 2003. Its first annual update, due on 30 April 2004, was submitted on 21 June 2004, covering calendar year 2003. It included voluntary Form J to comment on victim assistance and mine stockpiles.

The DRC has been active regionally on the issue since February 2001 when it participated for the first time in a diplomatic landmine conference, at an Africa-wide meeting in Bamako, Mali. The DRC, with the support of Canada, hosted a landmine workshop in Kinshasa on 2-3 May 2002 and together with the Republic of Congo and Canada, organized another workshop in Brazzaville on 7-8 May 2003. Most recently, it participated in a workshop on landmines held in Kenya in March 2004.

The DRC is not yet a party to the Convention on Conventional Weapons, although it announced in June 2002 that it had completed internal procedures for its accession to that Convention.^[13]

NSA Mine Ban Policy

Members of the armed opposition group Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD-Goma), have made contradictory statements regarding mine use. On 3 May 2002, at a mine ban workshop, a representative of RCD-Goma stated that “we adhere to the principles of the Mine Ban Treaty, and we are going to try to respect it in the best way we can.”^[14] He also provided the Canadian embassy in Kinshasa with a list of areas which the RCD-Goma knows or believes are mined.^[15] However, in 2002 other RCD members acknowledged to Landmine Monitor on various occasions that the RCD had stockpiles of mines and still intended to use them.^[16]

On 30 December 2002, a cease-fire agreement was signed in Gbadolite, between the Movement for the Liberation of Congo (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.^[17] However, as described below, there were allegations of continued use of antipersonnel mines by RCD-Goma in joint combat operations with the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) and Hema militias till at least March 2003. The RCD was also alleged to have provided antipersonnel mines to UPC forces.^[18]

NGO Activity

The Congolese Campaign to Ban Landmines was formed in March 2002, and includes the Congolese Physicians for Peace (CPP), Bannissons les Mines au Congo (BAMICO), Centre pour l'Education Populaire à la Democratie (CEPOD), and the Agency for the Spread of International Humanitarian Law in Central Africa (ADDIHAC). On the sixth anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty, ADDIHAC with the support of the Embassy of Canada, organized the "Congolese week for a mine-free world" (10-20 December 2003), which included an internationally attended roundtable on the interdiction of antipersonnel mines in the DRC.^[19] On 20 August 2003, BAMICO (Let's ban mines in Congo) was created to “actively contribute to the prohibition of mine use.”^[20] In 2003, the NGO Zanga Zanga was formed by demobilized soldiers to free the city of Ikela from mines and unexploded ordnance.^[21] A musical group "the Militants for Peace" with the support of ADDIHAC, performs songs to build awareness about the mine issue.^[22]

Production and Transfer

The DRC is not known to have produced or exported antipersonnel mines. In the past, both the government and rebels have acquired mines from a variety of sources.^[23]

The commander of Ugandan forces in Ituri, Brig. Kale Kayihura, told media representatives that one reason Ugandan troops seized the airport of Bunia in March 2003, was “to stop further air shipments of mines.”^[24] Landmine Monitor was unable to find independent information regarding the assertion of mine shipments. In July 2003, an arms embargo was imposed by the UN Security Council on the Ituri district and both the Kivu provinces.^[25]

Stockpiling and Stockpile Destruction

The DRC holds an unknown number of stockpiled antipersonnel mines. The Mine Ban Treaty requires the DRC to destroy these mines as soon as possible, but not later than 1 November 2006. In April 2003, the DRC reported that stockpile inventories were being conducted, and were to be finished by June 2003.^[26] In September 2003, an official stated that with the creation of a restructured and integrated new national Army no obstacles remained to inventorying stockpiled mines and to making the information public.^[27] Military officials said that regional military commanders appointed in the unified national Army were instructed to report on stockpiles and mine-affected areas before December 2003.^[28] However, the DRC's June 2004 Article 7 report states that the Ministry of Defense has not made any information available.^[29]

At the meeting of the Standing Committee on Stockpile Destruction in Geneva on 24 June 2004, the DRC delegate explained that "although the DRC is well-aware of its obligations under the Treaty and especially under Article 4 related to stockpile destruction, the lack of information on its stockpiles in its Article 7 report, is due to the difficulties to make disappear the psychological barriers, that still hinder the free communication on what was long time considered to be a ‘military secret.’” He added that “the reunification of the Armed Forces is still fragile.”^[30]

Previously, officials had told Landmine Monitor that the partition of the country during the war had impeded access to information in territories not under control of the central government until April 2003, when the country was unified. They also said that respecting the transparency obligation of the treaty collided with the desire for military secrecy by those who are responsible for landmine stockpiles.^[31]

Because some armed groups in the east of the DRC are not yet integrated in the national army, a complete nationwide stockpile inventory is seriously hampered.^[32] Sources both in and far from the capital consider the process of integrating former rebel groups into a unified national army difficult, and a government spokesperson has said that “each of the groups still have their zones of influence, their men and their military arsenal.”^[33]

On 15 September 2003, during a “Bunia: weapon free” operation, the Ituri brigade of the UN troops found six antipersonnel mines and other weapons buried on the grounds of the home of UPC head Thomas Lubanga.^[34] On 2 December 2003, UN troops seized weapons from the Lendu tribe, including Claymore-type antipersonnel mines, in the village of Lalu, 60 kilometers northeast of Bunia.^[35] MLC fighters reportedly also possess stockpiles of antipersonnel mines.^[36]

In 2002 and 2003, Handicap International (HI) reported destroying 1,660 antipersonnel mines and 119 antivehicle mines, as well as thousands of pieces of unexploded ordnance from rebel stockpiles.^[37] The majority of devices were voluntarily handed over to HI by the seventh brigade of the ANC/RCD-Goma.^[38] No other destruction by HI has taken place since.^[39]

Use

Landmines have been a significant feature in the DRC conflict. Previous Landmine Monitor Reports have cited allegations of use by virtually all forces fighting at various times in the DRC since 1998.^[40] 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.

DRC government forces and the rebel Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) have acknowledged past use of antipersonnel mines. Landmine Monitor has cited credible allegations of use of antipersonnel mines in the DRC by the forces of the governments of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. In some cases, the alleged use occurred even after these nations were signatory to or party to the Mine Ban Treaty. In 2002, the United Nations stated, “It appears certain that most of the belligerents, including all international allies, have laid landmines extensively, especially along the successive confrontation lines.”^[41]

The DRC has stated that it has ceased using antipersonnel mines in the territories under government control since its accession to the Mine Ban Treaty.^[42] Landmine Monitor has not received any allegations of mine use by government forces in the past three years.

Allegations of Use by Non-state Actors

Landmine Monitor Report 2003 noted that there had been ongoing, and apparently increased, use of mines by a number of rebel groups in 2002 and early 2003. According to government officials and former rebel leaders, there were no allegations of mine use in the second half of 2003.^[43]

In 2004, the Army accused insurgent troops of Col. Jules Mutebutsi and Gen. Laurent Nkunda, both former RCD rebel leaders and reportedly backed by Rwanda, of new mine use when their forces took the town of Bukavu, in South Kivu, close to the border with Rwanda, at the end of May and beginning of June 2004.^[44] When the Army expelled the insurgents, they fled to Kamanyola, a town some 40 kilometers south of Bukavu, where they reportedly mined the road.^[45] A MONUC demining team was shot at while on a mine presence verification mission in Kamanyola on 20 June 2004.^[46]

Additionally, planted mines were discovered in north Kivu province, near the Rwandan border, during clashes in April 2004 between the Congolese Army and exiled Rwandan Hutus, now rebels, but formerly allies.^[47] The Army accused the Hutu rebels of having laid the mines.^[48]

As noted above, in 2002, RCD-Goma admitted mine use in the past and its intention to keep using mines in the future.^[49] Its ally, the UPC, backed by the Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR), allegedly used antipersonnel mines, especially in the fighting in and around Bunia in late 2002 until its retreat in March 2003.^[50] RCD-ML and MLC reportedly used antipersonnel mines between May 2002 and the beginning of 2003.^[51]

Rwanda and Assisting in Mine Use

It has repeatedly been alleged that Rwanda has provided weapons, including antipersonnel mines, directly to UPC, and indirectly through RCD-Goma.^[52] In a January 2004 interview, a high level official of the UPC told Landmine Monitor that his movement had received important military support from Rwanda, including antipersonnel mines, as recently as August 2003.^[53] In February 2004, the president of the Civil Society of Ituri district stated that, “the UPC and Hema militia have signed an agreement of military cooperation with Rwanda...which provides arms and munitions, including antipersonnel mines.”^[54]

Rwanda is also accused of having supported the insurgent Col. Jules Mutebutsi who allegedly used mines in his takeover of Bukavu near the Rwandan border in May-June 2004.^[55] After the attack on Bukavu, the UN panel monitoring Security Council Resolution 1493 imposing a ban on military and financial support for armed groups in eastern DRC, said it was “highly likely" that the rebels were supplied with weapons coming from Rwanda. “Rwanda’s violations involved direct and indirect support...to the mutinous troops,” the report says. “Rwanda has also exerted a degree of command and control over Mutebutsi's forces.”^[56] Rwanda denies any involvement.^[57]

Rwanda has been a State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty since 1 December 2000. 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 of the landmine problem has been conducted in the DRC, and officials have stressed the need for an urgent Landmine Impact Survey.^[58] However, the size of the country, the inaccessibility of certain parts due to natural conditions like vegetation and abundant rainfall, and communication difficulties are considered serious obstacles to conducting surveys properly.^[59] According to MONUC, the unexploded ordnance (UXO) problem is more widespread than the landmine problem.^[60]

Between 8 and 15 April 2004, the Swiss Demining Foundation (FSD) in collaboration with the NGO Mine Awareness Trust, conducted a technical evaluation mission in Ikela, Equateur Province.^[61] The mission concluded a technical survey was needed throughout Ituri district, in Oriental province, noting there was “hardly any direct threat” in Bunia, but relatively little was known about the rest of the district. It added that only three of the 19 NGOs active in Bunia “dare to leave the city by road without armed escorts provided by UN troops and that most roads are considered unsafe because of the perceived threat of mines; in many cases the humanitarian aid still can not be delivered safely to those in need.”

DanChurchAid is conducting an assessment to determine the extent of the problem and priority for clearing in the Tanganyika district in northern Katanga.^[62]

Between June and November 2002, HI 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.^[63]

Between July 2002 and March 2003, HI also carried out a Landmine Impact Survey in Kisangani,^[64] and several preliminary impact surveys/emergency assessment missions, including: on the corridors between Kisangani-Banalia and Kisangani-Isangi;^[65] between Kisangani-Bafwasende;^[66] in Ikela;^[67] in Kindu^[68] on the Kindu-Kalima-Shabunda corridor,^[69] and in Djolu and Bokungu.^[70] The objectives of those missions were to locate areas affected by mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), to evaluate the socio-economic impact of mines and UXO on the population, and to make a census of the victims.^[71] At the same time, minefields or suspected areas were marked and antipersonnel mines and UXO were recorded and photographed to facilitate future clearance operations.

By June 2004, 366 dangerous areas had been registered by the UN Mine Action Coordination Center (UNMACC),^[72] compared to the 165 reported in the DRC's initial Article 7 Report of April 2003 and the 22 additional mine-affected sites found by HI.^[73] Ninety-one of the dangerous areas are located in Oriental province, 90 in Equateur, 54 in Katanga, 28 in North Kivu, 28 in South Kivu, 25 in Oriental Kasai, 24 in Maniema, 14 in West Kasai, eight in Bas-Congo, two in Bandundu and two in Kinshasa.^[74] The majority of casualties occurred in Equateur province (284 out of 1,054), South Kivu (290), Oriental province (147), and North Kivu (106), followed by Maniema (79), Katanga (71), Oriental Kasai (61), and Bas-Congo, Badundu, Occidental Kasai and Kinshasa (each 1).

There is concern that the presence of mines could hinder preparations for the first post-war general elections in 2005.^[75] The following descriptions of mined areas in two provinces give a snapshot of the impact of mines in the country.

Ituri District, Oriental Province

In Ituri, 27 villages contain mined or suspected areas.^[76] However, the areas have not yet been verified by technical surveys.^[77] Villagers had fled their homes because of the fighting and the danger of mines, reportedly planted by the UPC, and earlier by the Armée Populaire du Congo.^[78] Over 50 million square meters of fertile agriculture and pastureland are thought to be mine-affected.^[79] The presence of mines hinders the return of the villagers to their land, and also restricts humanitarian aid and peacekeeping missions.^[80] Only three out of 19 NGOs currently present in Bunia have been able to travel by road.^[81] Some of them have requested FSD's intervention: Atlas Logistique for road clearance, Premières Urgences (First emergencies) for clearing water points in Irumu (60 kilometers from Bunia), and Aviations sans Frontières (Aviation without borders) for verification and clearance of several airstrips.

The presence of mines between Kisangani and Bunia reportedly also affects a World Bank program to re-open 700 kilometers along the economically important national Route 4.^[82] Mines also affect other road reconstruction.^[83]

Ikela, Tshuapa district, Equateur province

Overall, some six million square meters of land in Ikela commune (Tshuapa district) are thought to be affected by mines and unexploded ordnance.^[84] During the fighting in Ikela in June 2000, the majority of the population fled; of the 15,000 people living there before the war, there were only 1,702 inhabitants left in December 2002.^[85] In Ikela, at least 1 million square meters of fertile soil and two water wells have been abandoned.^[86] Since the end of the violence and the military retreat, people have begun to go back to their houses. By February 2004, over 8,000 people had returned, but the mine problem continued to affect access to water and agricultural land and playing areas for children.^[87]

During a February 2004 joint MONUC-Atlas Logistique-CRONGD Oriental^[88] mission to Ikela to evaluate the humanitarian needs after the war, insecurity due to the presence of landmines and UXO appeared to be one of the major difficulties confronting the population.^[89] Malnutrition is another one of the consequences of the presence of mines.^[90] In order to gather food and to have access to some fertile fields, people have begun collecting munitions and placing them in non-declared stockpiles. Other people, not originally from Ikela but wishing to settle there, have been denied land by local authorities because of the danger of mines. Mines also hinder the access to the city of Ikela by humanitarian aid organizations.^[91] This is even more the case since UN personnel were instructed to move only on foot, not by vehicles since the death of a colleague when his vehicle hit a mine.^[92] At the only functioning hospital in the region, the generator providing electricity for the water pump is surrounded by landmines. The road between the hospital and the airport is reportedly also mined.

Documented types of antipersonnel mines reported found in the DRC include the US M2A4, South African/Namibian R1M1, Belgian PRM35, Italian TS50, Yugoslav PMA2, Chinese Type 72A, Zimbabwean Z1, and Soviet POMZ 2M. Antivehicle mines include Beglian PRBM 3 and PRBM 1, US M6A2, UK GS MK5, Yugoslav TMM1, TMA 3, TMA 4, TMRP 6, and Soviet TM 46, TM 57, and TM 62P3.^[93]

Coordination and Planning

The National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines was created on 6 May 2002.^[94] In addition to coordinating all mine action activities, its tasks include development of a mine action plan, writing Article 7 transparency reports, promoting understanding of the Mine Ban Treaty, mobilizing international assistance and expertise, and educating the public on the danger of mines.^[95] However, five years of war have hindered the DRC’s ability to elaborate a mine action plan, and no plan is yet in place.^[96] 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.^[97]

UN Security Counsel Resolution 1291 of 2000 created the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a mandate to develop an action plan for the implementation of the Lusaka Agreement, including assessment and action on landmines and UXO. MONUC established the Mine Action Coordination Center in Kinshasa and a regional UNMACC office in Kisangani in February 2002. This regional office is about to be closed for logistical reasons.^[98] Other offices were opened in Bunia at the end of 2003^[99] and in Bukavu in June 2004.^[100] MONUC has a mine action liaison officer in the office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General.^[101]

The National Mine Action Strategy is currently defined by the United Nations and implemented by UNMACC. UNMACC, as focal point for mine action in the DRC, is to provide expertise to MONUC, to the national authorities, and to the humanitarian community, through coordination and assistance in implementing mine action activities.^[102] 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 mine risk education (MRE) campaign. UNMACC also assists MONUC in implementing urgent survey operations of suspected mined airfields.

Key priorities for 2003-2004 are the consolidation of UNMACC, increased coordination with demining and humanitarian partners, work toward the implementation of a Landmine Impact Survey for the DRC and support for the government to develop a national demining capacity.^[103]

On 29 January 2003, DRC authorities delegated the power of accreditation of NGOs active in mine action and of mine clearance quality control to UNMACC.^[104] Three international NGOs have been most active in mine action: HI, FSD and DanChurchAid. In early 2004, an advance team from the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF) deployed to begin emergency survey activities, starting in Ituri in the areas around future election centers.^[105] The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) deployed to DRC in July 2004 to establish a project in northeastern Katanga province providing mine/UXO clearance, community liaison and survey.^[106]

At the Fifth Meeting of States Parties in Bangkok in September 2003, the DRC delegation expressed the need for the creation and training of a national mine clearance capacity.^[107]

Mine Clearance

Since the end of 2002, over 1,300,000 square meters of land have been cleared by the South African firm Mechem on behalf of MONUC, including airstrips at Bunia, Kananga, Kindu, Kisangani, and Manono.^[108] Approximately 150 kilometers of road between Bunia and Beni was also cleared.^[109]

In November 2003, three supervisors of the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) started training two mine action emergency response teams and by March 2004, 18 local deminers had been trained, including five women.^[110] The teams were deployed in and around Bunia, the capital of Ituri, where they worked with Mechem to obtain field experience. They then conducted battle area clearance in camps at N'Dmoro and Mergador to prepare for the return of displaced persons.

Between January and March 2004, FSD cleared approximately 10,000 square meters allowing the local population access to several water wells just outside Bunia. The area for demining activities is limited to within a radius of 20 kilometers outside the town of Bunia, for security reasons. Since 1 January 2004, FSD’s medical coordinator has conducted advanced trauma medical training for the team's paramedics. After their technical evaluation mission in Ikela in April 2004, FSD planned to start mine clearance operations at the beginning of June 2004.^[111]

Between June 2001 and April 2003, HI cleared 25,756 square meters in Kisangani and surrounding areas.^[112] Between May 2003 and May 2004, HI’s mine clearance, survey and data collection programs were suspended for lack of funds.^[113] In June, HI resumed its EOD and mine clearance in la Forestière, in Kisangani.^[114]

In 2004, Belgium is training a new, ethnically mixed battalion which includes six deminers. France and Luxembourg are assisting in the training, which was expected to last at least six months.^[115] In 2003, six DRC military personnel were trained in demining techniques at the regional mine clearance training center for ECOWAS member states in Ouidah, Benin.^[116]

On 23 March 2003, a local NGO Zanga Zanga was created to utilize demobilized ex-combatants to open up roads by weeding and marking mines and UXO. However, the organization soon started clearance operations, despite the lack of relevant experience or any mine action training.^[117] They burned the bush to make the ordnance explode, clearing 20,000 square meters of agricultural land, and experienced a casualty on 19 February 2004.

In June and July 2004, a South African Military Engineering special team, on behalf of MONUC, disposed of unexploded ordnance at abandoned schools, a mosque, on streets and in trees in the town of Bukavu after it had been taken by insurgent military.^[118]

Mine Risk Education

The DRC has no overall mine risk education program. A number of local NGOs active in mine action and/or assistance to internally displaced and refugees believe that while mine clearance should be left to international NGOs, the capacities of the government and national and local NGOs to provide MRE should be reinforced in order to have a more permanent impact. They expressed concern that MRE stops when funding to international NGOs is not consistent and believe such a situation to be counter-productive.^[119]

Organizations providing mine risk education in the DRC include DanChurchAid, Handicap International, the Mines Awareness Trust and UNICEF. Altogether they provided MRE sessions for about 28,000 people in 2003. In 2001 and 2002, 78,190 people attended MRE sessions.

At the beginning of January 2004, DanChurchAid, with its local partner Eglise du Christ au Congo, began work on an HIV/AIDS awareness and MRE project for internally displaced and war-affected communities, using mass media and community based activities, in Kalemie, Tanganyika district, North Katanga.^[120] The effort also includes data gathering for IMSMA, through impact survey activities. As of 15 April 2004, four local MRE facilitators and four impact surveyors had been trained. From July to September 2003, DCA trained six facilitators for UNHCR to provide mine risk education to some 12,000 Angolan refugees in camps in Kisenge. The budget for 2003 was US$209,000, and for 2004, US$525,000.

From May to August 2003, Mines Awareness Trust, in collaboration with the ICRC and the UNHCR, ran an emergency MRE program in the Angolan refugee camps of Kimpese, Ngidinga and Kimvula in Bas-Congo Province and in Kahemba in Bandundu Province. One hundred and twenty community volunteers were trained who sensitized about 12,700 refugees on mine-smart behavior. A refresher course was planned for May- June 2004 in the above-mentioned sites and in the refugee camp of Kisenge (Katanga province).^[121]

Handicap International began providing mine risk education in March 2001 in Kisangani and the surrounding area within a 122-kilometer radius. In 2001, about 41,000 people attended sessions, and approximately 200,000 were reached through radio and television.^[122] In 2002, HI conducted 99 MRE sessions, reaching 34,109 people. Additionally, in October 2002, it conducted 16 sessions, which benefited 3,081 people in Ikela, Oriental Province. In 2003, 3,583 people attended MRE sessions, including 1,513 children, 1,302 men and 768 women. 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.

In February 2004, about ten national and international NGOs participated in an MRE training session, organized by MONUC, in Kalemie.^[123] UNICEF reports that it conducted MRE training for 18 members of local NGOs working in the provinces of North and South Kivu from 21 to 24 May 2004.^[124]

Mine Action Funding

Landmine Monitor has identified about US$3.79 million in funding for mine action in the DRC in 2003. In addition, in 2003 the European Commission provided €986,585 ($1.12 million) for mine clearance to be carried out in 2004 in Katanga province by MAG.^[125] The DRC has no national budget for mine action.

In 2003, Belgium provided €3,000,000 ($3.39 million) to HI for mine clearance, capacity building, MRE, and victim assistance in Kisangani region.^[126] In 2002, HI received €1,500,000 ($1,450,000) from Belgium.^[127] In August 2002, USAID allocated $792,024 through the Omega program to be spent over three years on HI’s rehabilitation work in DRC.^[128] In 2001, HI received $639,200 from Belgium and $27,835 from Canada.^[129]

In 2003, FSD spent SF184,689 ($137,274) on its mine action activities in DRC.^[130] FSD reports that its activities in the DRC between November 2003 and May 2004 were funded by the UN Voluntary Trust Fund and private donations.^[131] Its budget for the period May-November 2004 was US$2,055,149.^[132]

In 2003, DCA’s budget for mine action in the DRC was $209,000, and for 2004 it was estimated at US$525,000.^[133]

In 2003, Canada provided US$45,000 through UNMAS for an emergency impact survey and $5,899 to ADDIHAC for a week-long series of advocacy events in Kinshasa.^[134] In 2002, Canada provided $23,574 for conference support and $3,132 for MRE activities in the DRC.^[135]

The UNMACC was established in February 2002, with contributions from Belgium ($575,000) and the US ($25,000).^[136]

Landmine Casualties

In 2003, UNMACC recorded 152 new mine/UXO casualties, a significant increase from the 115 new casualties recorded in 2002.^[137] However, casualty figures are believed to be understated as the DRC has no nationwide data collection mechanism. Instability within the country and limited capacity to collect data make comprehensive information on landmine/UXO casualties difficult to obtain.^[138]

Reported incidents in 2003 include a Ugandan soldier killed in a mine blast in Irumu, 40 kilometers west of Bunia, in early 2003.^[139] In April, a Russian military observer with MONUC was killed and another seriously injured when their vehicle drove over a mine at Komanda, 60 kilometers south of Bunia.^[140] In August 2003, a MONUC convoy hit an antivehicle mine in Ituri district, slightly injuring the driver and a passenger, both employees of the French NGO Atlas Logistique.^[141]

An incident in Ikela, in May 2002, killed one peacekeeper, a colonel from Algeria, and injured another, a major from India.^[142]

Casualties continue in 2004, with 15 new mine/UXO casualties recorded by UNMACC in the first eight months.^[143] There are concerns that the number of mine casualties will rise as internally displaced people and refugees return to their homes.^[144]

In 2002, UNMACC began collecting data on mine/UXO casualties in the DRC for entry into an IMSMA database. UNMACC has recorded 780 new mine/UXO casualties since 1999: 15 in 2004, 152 in 2003, 115 in 2002, 186 in 2001, 217 in 2000, and 95 in 1999. In total, 1,088 mine/UXO casualties since 1964 have been recorded to September 2004, including 503 people killed, 584 injured and one unknown; 721 are male, 206 are female, and the sex of 161 is unknown. At least 100 casualties (nine percent) were children under the age of 15 at the time of the incident. Landmines were the cause of 815 casualties (75 percent). The vast majority of casualties (91 percent) were reported between 1996 and 2003. Casualties were reported in all eleven provinces, with most recorded in four provinces: South Kivu 310 casualties (28 percent), Equateur 291 casualties (27 percent), Province Orientale 147 (14 percent), and North Kivu 106 casualties (ten percent).^[145] The database is continually being updated as new information is found on both new mine casualties and casualties from earlier years.

The UNMACC database recorded five casualties during mine clearance operations, including one deminer killed and four injured. Demining casualties include an accident in August 2001, when a British mine clearance technical adviser lost his thumb when a grenade detonator exploded during a training session in the Kisangani.^[146] In December 2002, a Congolese deminer, working with HI, lost a leg after stepping on a mine in La Forestière.^[147] On 19 February 2004, one casualty was reported during demining activities by the local association of ex-combatants, Zanga-Zanga.^[148]

In addition to the casualties reported above, at least 16 Congolese landmine casualties fleeing the conflict in the DRC have received treatment in Tanzania since 2001; three in June 2003; three in 2002; and ten in 2001.^[149]

Survivor Assistance

The armed conflict in the DRC has seriously damaged the healthcare system with hospitals, medical centers and health posts destroyed, and a lack of medical and paramedical personnel, equipment and medicines. The cost of medicines and healthcare is prohibitive for many Congolese. In 2002, it was estimated that 37 percent of the population did not have access to any kind of healthcare.^[150] Two out of three casualties reportedly die because of the lack of appropriate assistance.^[151] The existing referral hospitals are often far from the mine-affected areas.^[152] Of the estimated 400 health centers in the DRC, 212 have reportedly been closed.^[153] As part of the DRC Poverty Reduction Strategy on basic healthcare introduced in 2002, the Minister of Health adopted the national health improvement plan to increase the number of “health areas” from 312 to 515 to improve geographic coverage and access to health centers.^[154] In 2003, the World Bank contributed to the rehabilitation of five general referral hospitals and 37 health centers, and other health, social and educational facilities.^[155] In addition, Belgian Technical Cooperation, USAID, GTZ, and the World Bank, are supporting the rehabilitation, reconstruction and re-equipping of hospitals and other health facilities.^[156]

The ICRC, working with the Red Cross Society of the DRC (RCSDRC), continues to assist hospitals and health centers in the DRC, including seven hospitals and 25 health centers in 2003, providing surgical instruments and supplies, equipment and medicines to treat the war-wounded including mine casualties. Training is provided in first-aid and evacuation of the wounded; more than 2,200 first aid volunteers and over 1,000 army stretcher-bearers have been trained in the past two years. The ICRC also organized several seminars on war-surgery techniques, together with on-the-job training, for Congolese civilian and military surgeons since 1999. Since 2001, at least 54 mine/UXO casualties were treated in ICRC-supported hospitals: one in 2003; six in 2002; 47 in 2001.^[157]

The number of specialized rehabilitation centers in the DRC, is reportedly inadequate to meet the needs of mine survivors and other persons with disabilities. There are three main centers available to mine survivors: in Kinshasa, Mbuji-Mayi and Lubumbashi.^[158]

The ICRC, in cooperation with the RCSDRC, has supported the Kalembe-Lembe prosthetic/orthotic center in Kinshasa since July 1998, providing on-the-job training for technicians and improving the quality of prostheses. Management of the center was handed over to the RCSDRC in 2003. The ICRC extended its support to the Yamack Center in Lubumbashi, and the Saint Jean-Baptiste hospital in Mbuji Mayi in 2003. Between 1999 and 2003, the Kalembe-Lembe center produced 1,074 prostheses (125 for mine survivors) and 58 orthoses (at least two for mine survivors), and distributed more than 1,764 crutches and one wheelchair; including 161 prostheses (20 for mine survivors), 224 crutches and one wheelchair in 2003.^[159] The production cost for prostheses is US$600-700, but most amputees only pay about one-third of the cost, as services are charged according to income.^[160]

In Mbuji-Mayi, Handicap International supports the physical rehabilitation center at the Saint Jean-Baptiste Hospital. In 2003, the center produced 616 orthoses, three prostheses, 16 crutches and 99 tricycles. HI also supports a community-based rehabilitation program in Kinshasa, and works with a local partner, Bondeko Villages, to support 15 centers for physical rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration in the most deprived areas of Kinshasa.^[161] In August 2002, the USAID Leahy War Victims Fund, through the Omega Initiative, allocated $792,024 over three-years to HI to strengthen the capacity of the Rehabilitation Center for the Physically Handicapped (CRHP) and improve the quality of treatment.^[162]

In Kisangani, the Simama Rehabilitation Center provides physical rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration for persons with disabilities, including mine survivors. In July 2003, a new orthopedic and leather tanning facility (for orthopedic shoes and prostheses) was opened. The Simama Center now offers integrated services for persons with disabilities including consultations, physiotherapy, specialized healthcare, and prostheses. The construction was funded by MONUC. In 2002, the Center reported assisting eight mine survivors; no information on current activities was available to Landmine Monitor.^[163]

In Goma, the Shirika la Umoja center provides physical rehabilitation and socio-economic reintegration for persons with disabilities, including landmine survivors.^[164]

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 the Blind – 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).^[165] International NGOs and other agencies also support mine survivors in the course of their other activities, including CARITAS, International Rescue Committee, Médecins Sans Frontières, WHO and UNICEF.^[166]

The DRC submitted the voluntary Form J attachment with its Article 7 report in 2004 and called on the international community to provide training and equipment in order to ensure adequate assistance to mine survivors.^[167]

Disability Police and Practice

The DRC has no specific legislation for mine survivors, but acknowledges its obligations under the Mine Ban Treaty to provide assistance, and reportedly seeks legal advice to draft appropriate legislation.^[168] At the Fifth Meeting of States Parties in September 2003, the DRC stated that it needs support for the elaboration and implementation of a program to fight landmines, including “medical aid, physical rehabilitation through prosthetics and social consideration of victims.”^[169]

In 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.^[170] Mine survivors are classified under the category “vulnerable” without distinction to the cause of their disability.^[171]

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.^[172]

In February 2002, a social fund for war-injured, including mine survivors, was created at the level of the Presidency of the DRC.^[173] However, the fund will reportedly only benefit military survivors.^[174]

---

[1] Past agreements, such as the Lusaka agreement of 31 August 1999, called for an end to the use of landmines and for their clearance; but fresh mines continued to be laid. At that time, the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), through Security Council Resolution 1291 (2000), had a mandate to develop an action plan for the overall implementation of the Lusaka Agreement, including assessment and action on landmines and UXO.
[2] For more information about the Sun City 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.
[3] Remarks by President Joseph Kabila in a meeting with Alex Vines of Human Rights Watch, London, UK, 12 March 2001. The DRC had given indications of support earlier by voting in favor of pro-Mine Ban Treaty UN General Assembly resolutions in 1998 and 1999. The DRC has been absent from the vote on all other pro-ban UNGA resolutions, including UNGA Resolution 58/53 on 8 December 2003.
[4] Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[5] “Third Special Report of the Secretary-General on MONUC in the DRC,” UNSC, S/2004/650, 16 August 2004, p. 35; Article 7 Report, Form A, 21 June 2004; Statement by DRC, Workshop on Landmines in East Africa, the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa, Nairobi, 2-4 March 2004. The ICRC has assisted with the drafting of the law.
[6] Interview with Banza Ngoy Katumwe, Vice-President, National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Marcel Quirrion, Director, UNMACC, Geneva, 23 June 2004.
[7] Ministerial Decree No. 0001 of 6 May 2002, reported in Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[8] Ministerial Note MDN/CAB/11/903/2003; Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[9] Interview with Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, Vice-President, DRC National Commission to Fight Antipersonnel Mines, Brazzaville, 7 May 2003; interview with Amb. Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Director of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Geneva, 14 May 2003.
[10] Declaration of Mgr. Marini, President of the Senate, during his meeting with the delegates of the Civil Society of the Oriental Province, Kisangani, 15 February 2004; interview with Amb. Balengele, Bujumbura, Burundi, 20 February 2004; interview with Theophile Mbemba, Minister of Interior, Kisangani, February 2004; interview with Vital Kamerhe, government spokesperson, Kisangani, January 2004; interview with General Padiri, Commander of the Ninth Military Region, Kisangani, 18 December 2003; interview with Gen. Sylvain Buki, Chef d'Etat Major of Land Forces, Kinshasa, 16 November 2003.
[11] UNGA, Verbatim reports, A/58/PV.10, 24 September 2003.
[12] “African countries call for continued assistance to deal with landmines, as General Assembly concludes mine action discussion,” UNGA Press Release GA/10206.
[13] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 195.
[14] Comments by Cdr. Ngizo S.T. Louis, RCD Representative to the Joint Military Commission, at the Workshop on the Ottawa Convention and Mine Action in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, 3 May 2002. The following day, a daily newspaper reported that the RCD, “promised to respect the provisions of the Ottawa Convention that bans antipersonnel mines, a convention signed by the government against which the rebel group is fighting.” See “Révélations sur l’arrivée d’un émissaire du RCD/Goma à Kinshasa,” Le Palmarès, 4 May 2002. This position was reiterated to Landmine Monitor in interviews with Col. Ngizo in Kinshasa in December 2002, and with Jean-Pierre Lola Kisanga, Spokesman, RCD-Goma, Goma, 25 December 2002. The Joint Military Commission was set up to oversee the implementation of the DRC Ceasefire Agreement.
[15] List provided by Cdr. Ngizo S.T. Louis, RCD Representative to the Joint Military Commission, Kinshasa, 3 May 2002.
[16] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, pp. 195-196.
[17] “Rival Militias Sign Cease Fire Deal,” IRIN, 31 December 2002.
[18] Interviews with refugees from Ituri refugee camp in Kampala, April 2003; José Deschartes (journalist), on Radio Okapi, discussing MONUC Mission Report, April 2003.
[19] “Semaine Congolaise pour un Monde sans Mines,” email from Par-Dieu Mayenikini, Executive Secretary, ADDICHAC, Kinshasa, 5 January 2004.
[20] Amb. Mindia Monga is its president and Kimboko Kiasi, director at Foreign Affairs, is its executive director. See www.societecivile.cd/membre/bamicoasbl.
[21] FSD, “Report of technical evaluation Ikela,” Kinshasa, 21 April 2004, p. 4. Document emailed to Landmine Monitor by Pascal Blasutto, DRC Project Manager, FSD, 29 April 2004; “Rapport de la mission inter-agences d'évaluation des besoins humanitaires à Ikela, Bafwasende et à Banalia,” CRONGD Oriental, Collectif de la Tshopo, 26 February-3 March 2004.
[22] Email from Par-Dieu Mayenikini, ADDICHAC, 5 January 2004.
[23] See Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 196.
[24] “UN blows up mines,” IRIN, 7 April 2003.
[25] UNSC Resolution 1493, 28 July 2003.
[26] Article 7 Report, Forms A and B, 30 April 2003.
[27] Statement by Amb. Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Fifth Meeting of States Parties, Bangkok, Thailand, 17 September 2003.
[28] Intervention by Col. Louis Ngizo Siatilo, Military Advisor to Minister of Defense, Demobilization and Former Combatants, to Mine-Free World Roundtable, 10 December 2003.
[29] Article 7 Report, Form B, 21 June 2004.
[30] Statement by Banza Ngoy Katumwe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Standing Committee on Stockpile Destruction, Geneva, 23 June 2004. Translation by Landmine Monitor. The June 2002 Article 7 report, Form J, has similar language referring to “psychological blockage.”
[31] Interview with Amb. Zulu Kilo-Abi and Capt. Emmanuel Kanyamukenge, Geneva, 14 May 2003.
[32] Interviews with several RCD-Goma authorities on the occasion of the discovery of hiding places for arms in residences of politico-military leaders in Bukavu in February 2004.
[33] Statement by Vital Kamerhe, government spokesperson, on the discovery of arms caches in the official residence of Maj. Kasongo, RCD officer in Bukavu on 26 February 2004. See also, “Third Special Report of the Secretary-General on MONUC in the DRC,” UNSC, 16 August 2004.
[34] “UN offices attacked after leaders of Congo's tribal militia detained,” Associated Press (Kigali), 16 September 2003; “Tension mounts as DR Congo rebels accuse UN forces of killings,” Agence France-Presse, 16 September 2003.
[35] MONUC, “Ituri Brigade destroy militia camps 60 km north of Bunia,” 7 December 2003.
[36] The RCD-ML claims to have discovered an MLC weapons arsenal which included antipersonnel mines during the fighting in Mambassa in October 2002. See “Dirigente anuncia uso de minas anti-pessoal pelo MLC” (Leader announces use of antipersonnel mines by MLC), IRIN, 29 October 2002. During a confrontation in March 2003, a stockpile of antipersonnel mines was reportedly abandoned by the MLC and seized by the RCD-ML in Komanda. Other stocks of antipersonnel mines were reportedly abandoned in Bogoro, Bunia, Mambassa and Mandro after various confrontations. See 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 from Bernnard Mbula Lombhe Musongela, IPPNW/DRC, 30 March 2003.
[37] HI, “Bilan des Activités EOD,” May 2003; Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 194.
[38] Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 194.
[39] Email from Didier Leonard, Senior Technical Advisor, Handicap International, Kisangani, 22 April 2004.
[40] For details on past allegations of use by various forces fighting in the DRC, see Landmine Monitor Report 1999, pp. 193-195; Landmine Monitor Report 2000, pp. 199-201; Landmine Monitor Report 2001, pp. 237-238; Landmine Monitor Report 2002, pp. 196-198; Landmine Monitor Report 2003, pp. 195-197.
[41] UN, “Portfolio of Mine-Related Projects: 2003,” October 2002, p. 99.
[42] Interview with Jean-Paul Yamba Kanzi, Political Advisor at the DRC Embassy, Kampala, Uganda, 10 February 2003; telephone interview with and email from Noel Obotela Rachid, Governor of Oriental Province, 15 January 2003.
[43] Interviews with Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense officials, Kisangani, January-February 2004; interviews with political leaders of former non-state actors in Bukavu, Kisangani, Mbandaka, Buta and Kinshasa, February-April 2004.
[44] Mine use was reported in: “Mines, fighters impeding UN efforts to investigate new Congo Fighting,” Associated Press (Kinshasa), 14 June 2004; “DR Congo Army accuses insurgents of laying mines in Bukavu,” Angola Press (Kinshasa), 19 June 2004. In addition, a local NGO said Mutebutsi’s troops laid mines on the premises of the Alfajiri college in Bukavu. Email from Betu Kajigi, Campaign and Advocacy Officer, Heritiers de la Justice, 22 September 2004. Rwandan support is reported in: “Rwanda-DR Congo border stays closed,” AFP, 21 June 2004; Colum Lynch, “UN Report denounces Rwanda, Support for Congo rebels is called violation of sanctions,” Washington Post, 17 July 2004.
[45] “UN looks into DR Congo clashes,” BBC, 15 June 2004; “DRC Army accuses insurgents,” Angola Press, 19 June 2004.
[46] “DRC: UN troops return fire on dissident soldiers,” IRIN, 21 June 2004; “Rwanda-DR Congo border stays closed as fighting continues in east DRC,” Agence France-Presse (Kigali), 21 June 2004.
[47] “Congo Army and Rwanda rebels clash again, 17 dead,” Reuters, 29 April 2004.
[48] “DRC-Rwanda: Hutu rebels accuse leaders of barring their repatriation,” IRIN, 30 April 2004.
[49] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 197.
[50] “Twelfth Report of the Secretary-General on MONUC,” UNSC, S/2002/1180, 18 October 2002, p. 14; email from M. Honore, Director, NGO Justice Plus, Bunia, 16 June 2003; information provided 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.
[51] “Thirteenth report of the Secretary-General on MONUC,” UNSC, S/2003/211, 21 February 2003, p. 14; Landmine Monitor Report 2003, pp. 196-197.
[52] Telephone interviews with delegates of Civil Society of Ituri, 25 March 2003; interview with Dieudonné Upira, “Malaria Plus,” 20 March 2003; interviews with leaders of the Hema and Lendu communities, between January and March 2003. Several community leaders accused Rwanda and Uganda of providing arms, including antipersonnel mines, to different militias in the DRC, at the workshop “Reflection on the end of violence and the socio-economic reconstruction of Ituri,” Kisangani, 27-28 January 2004.
[53] Interview with UPC official, Bunia, 27 January 2004. A high ranking UPC official requiring anonymity stated his movement received logistical and other military support from Rwanda, including antipersonnel mines to protect their positions against enemy ethnic militias.
[54] Statement by Chrisotome Budju, President of the Civil Society of Ituri district, at the General Assembly of the Civil Society of Oriental Province, Kisangani, 3-8 February 2004.
[55] “Rwanda-DR Congo border stays closed,” AFP, 21 June 2004; “Guerre à l'Est: Kamanyola tombée entre les mains des forces gouvernementales: le Colonel Mutebusi en fuite au Rwanda,” www.digitalcongo.net, accessed 22 June 2004; “Guerre à l'Est: Mutebusi et ses hommes à Butare: la duplicité rwandaise bientôt mise à nu!,” www.digitalcongo.net, accessed 22 June 2004; “ONU: le Rwanda a soutenu le rebelle Mutebutsi,” Philippe Bolopion, RFI, 16 July 2004; “UN Report denounces Rwanda,” Washington Post, 17 July 2004; “Third Special Report of the Secretary-General on MONUC in the DRC,” Security Council, 16 August 2004, p. 35.
[56] “Rapport du groupe d'experts sur l'embargo sur les armes dans l'Est du Congo,” UNSC, S/2004/551, 15 July 2004.
[57] Letter to Landmine Monitor (Mary Wareham) from Zac Nsenga, Ambassador of Rwanda to the United States, 1 October 2004; “Third Special Report of the Secretary-General on MONUC in the DRC,” UNSC, S/2004/650, 16 August 2004, p. 35; “Rwanda-DR Congo border stays closed,” AFP, 21 June 2004.
[58] Presentation by Amb. Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Workshop on the Implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 7 May 2003; Statement by Amb. Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Standing Committee meeting, Geneva, 14 May 2003.
[59] Interview with Didier Leonard, Senior Technical Advisor, Handicap International, Kisangani, 7 February 2004.
[60] Telephone interview with Marco Kalbusch, Mine Action Liaison Officer, MONUC, 13 September 2004.
[61] FSD, “Report of technical evaluation Ikela,” 21 April 2004; “DRC: Survey of Landmines and UXO Urgently Needed, Swiss Group Says,” IRIN, 14 April 2004.
[62] Response to Landmine Monitor Questionnaire by Jaap Aantjens, Program Manager, DanChurchAid, Kinshasa, 25 February 2004; “Le District du Tanganyika menacé par le fléau des mines,” Reliefweb, 16 July 2004.
[63] HI, “Rapport sur l'impact socio-économique des mines/UXO à Kisangani: choix des sites à déminer en priorité,” December 2002. For a description of some of the findings, see Landmine Monitor Report 2003, pp. 198-200.
[64] HI, “Rapport sur la Situation des Mines/UXO à Kisangani,” April 2003.
[65] HI, “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.
[66] HI, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO sur l'Axe Kisangani-Bafwasende (PK21 à 122), Province Orientale,” February 2003.
[67] HI, “Rapport de Mission, Ikela, 19-25 July 2002.”
[68] HI, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO à Kindu, Province du Maniema,” January 2003.
[69] HI, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO sur l'Axe Kindu-Kalima-Shabunda, Province du Maniema et Sud Kivu,” April 2003.
[70] HI, “Rapport sur la Situation de Mines/UXO dans les Territoires de Djolu et Bokungu, Province de l'Equateur,” April 2003.
[71] Interviews with Stephane Jooris and Jerome Cassou, HI, 20 March 2003.
[72] UNMACC, “Statistiques de le situation de mines/UXO en RDC (juillet 2004).” UNMACC collects information through UN agencies, national and international NGOs, MONUC, and during field missions. Email from Marcel Quirrion, Director, UNMACC, 16 June 2003.
[73] See Landmine Monitor Report 2003, pp. 197-200; Article 7 Report, Form C and attached list, 30 April 2003.
[74] UNMACC, “Statistiques de le situation de mines/UXO en RDC (juillet 2004).”
[75] “DRC, 123 landmine victims in April,” IRIN, 6 May 2004.
[76] UNMACC, “Report on suspected dangerous areas,” IMSMA, 8 July 2004.
[77] FSD, “Extension du projet de déminage en RDC 2004,” 27 March 2004, p. 5. Document emailed to Landmine Monitor by Pascal Blasutto, FSD, 29 April 2004.
[78] “Ituri Braces for Ugandan Pullout,” IRIN, 17 April 2003; “UN blows up mines,” IRIN, 7 April 2003; “Congo town ready for French, anyone, to end war,” Reuters, 16 May 2003.
[79] Interview with Isabelle Abric, Head of Public Information, MONUC, Bujumbura, 21 February 2004; interview with Patrick Hirard, FSD, Bujumbura, 20 February 2004.
[80] 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.” See also, “Ituri Braces for Ugandan Pullout,” IRIN, 17 April 2003; “UN blows up mines,” IRIN, 7 April 2003; interview with Jose Deschartes Menga Mbula, Journalist, MONUC, Bunia, 10 March 2004; interview with a representative of World Food Program, Kisangani, 5 February 2004; interview with a representative of FAO, Kisangani, 5 February 2004.
[81] FSD, “Extension du projet de déminage en RDC 2004,” 27 March 2004, p. 5.
[82] Interview with World Bank representative on exploratory mission, Kisangani, January-February 2004.
[83] Interview with a representative of the NGO Atlas Logistique, Kisangani. 15 May 2004.
[84] Interview with Augustin Bufaka, President of Tshopo collective, on his return from a field trip to Ikela, Kisangani, 2 March 2004.
[85] “Rapport de la mission inter-agences d'évaluation des besoins humanitaires à Ikela, Bafwasende et à Banalia,” CRONGD Oriental, Collectif de la Tshopo, 26 February-3 March 2004.
[86] HI, “Rapport de Mission, Ikela, 19-25 July 2002.”
[87] Interview with Augustin Bufaka, Tshopo collective, 2 March 2004.
[88] Conseil Régional des ONG de Développement.
[89] Interview with Augustin Bufaka, Tshopo collective, 2 March 2004; “Rapport de la mission inter-agences,” Collectif de la Tshopo, 26 Feb.–3 Mar. 2004.
[90] FSD, “Report of technical evaluation Ikela,” 21 April 2004. p. 4.
[91] Interview with Augustin Bufaka, Tshopo collective, 2 March 2004; interview with WFP representative, Kisangani, 5 February 2004; interview with FAO representative, Kisangani, 5 February 2004; interview with a nurse from General Reference Hospital Ikela, Kisangani, 15 January 2004.
[92] FSD, “Report of technical evaluation Ikela,” 21 April 2004, p. 3.
[93] Email from Didier Leonard, Senior Technical Advisor, HI, Kisangani, 20 September 2004.
[94] Ministerial Decree n° 0001 of 6 May 2002; Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[95] Presentation by Amb. Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 7 May 2003.
[96] Intervention by DRC, Workshop on Landmines, Nairobi, 2-4 March 2004.
[97] Ibid; Statement by Amb. Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, 14 May 2003.
[98] Interview with Banza Ngoy Katumwe and Marcel Quirrion, 23 June 2004.
[99] Intervention by Marcel Quirion, Director, UNMACC, Mine-Free World Roundtable, 10 December 2003.
[100] Interview with Banza Ngoy Katumwe and Marcel Quirrion, 23 June 2004.
[101] Telephone interview with Marco Kalbusch, MONUC, 13 September 2004.
[102] UN, “Portfolio of Mine-Related Projects 2003,” October 2002, p. 99.
[103] UN, "Portfolio of Mine Action Projects 2004," p. 153.
[104] Decision n° 131/131.10.1/00080/2003 of 29 January 2003; Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003.
[105] MASG Newsletter, New York, April 2004; MASG Newsletter, New York, May 2004.
[106] Email from Tim Carstairs, Director for Policy, Mines Advisory Group, 5 October 2004.
[107] Statement by DRC, Fifth Meeting of States Parties, 17 September 2003.
[108] Intervention by Marcel Quirion, UNMACC, 10 December 2003; Article 7 Report, Form F, 21 June 2004.
[109] Ibid; Interview with Isabelle Abric, MONUC, 21 February 2004; interview with Jose Deschartes Menga Mbula, MONUC, 10 March 2004.
[110] Unless otherwise noted, all DCA information is from FSD, “Extension du projet de déminage en RDC 2004,” Kinshasa, 27 March 2004; “The FSD in the DRC: two emergency response teams have started to clear landmines and UXO in and around Bunia," 8 April 2004, available at www.mineaction.ch ; "Swiss foundation training landmine clearance teams," IRIN, (Nairobi), 20 November 2003; Email from Pascal Blasutto, FSD, 29 April 2004; “Survey of Landmines and UXO,” IRIN, 14 April 2004.
[111] FSD, “Report of technical evaluation Ikela,” Kinshasa, 21 April 2004, p. 6.
[112] HI, “Bilan des Activités EOD,” May 2003.
[113] Interview with Mario Bucci, Program Officer, HI, Brussels, 13 June 2003.
[114] Email from Didier Leonard, HI, 22 April 2004; MASG Newsletter, New York, June 2004; email from Rodolphe Liebshitz, Technical Advisor, HI, Kisangani, 28 July 2004.
[115] Interview with Banza Ngoy Katumwe and Marcel Quirrion, 23 June 2004; “Frankrijk en Luxemburg helpen België bij operatie in Congo [France and Luxembourg help Belgium to operate in Congo], De Standaard, 24 January 2004.
[116] “Benin Mine Clearance Training Center,” document provided by Thomas Adoumasse, Deputy Director, Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, February 2004.
[117] FSD, “Report of technical evaluation Ikela,” 21 April 2004, p. 4; “Rapport de la mission inter-agences d'évaluation,” Collectif de la Tshopo; interview with OCHA Coordinator, Kisangani, 4 March 2004.
[118] “DRC: UN mission destroys Unexploded Ordnance,” IRIN, (Nairobi), 13 July 2004.
[119] Interviews with representatives of several local NGOs active in mine action and/or assistance to internally displaced and refugees, Kinshasa, Kisangani, Ikela, 2003-2004.
[120] Unless otherwise noted, all DCA information is from Response to Landmine Monitor Questionnaire by Jaap Aantjens, Program Manager, DanChurchAid, Kinshasa, 25 February 2004; email from Eva Veble, DanChurchAid, Denmark, 15 April 2004.
[121] Email from Netsanet Gebreyesus, DRC Program Coordinator, Mine Awareness Trust, 13 July 2004.
[122] Unless otherwise noted, all DCA information is from email from Didier Leonard, Senior Technical Advisor, HI, Kisangani, 3 September 2004; Interview with Odette Walungu, Coordinator, MRE Program, HI, Kisangani, 14 January 2003; HI, “Bilan des Activités de Sensibilisation,” April 2003.
[123] MONUC, “Local and International NGO's learn Land/Mine Awareness,” 8 April 2004.
[124] “Update from UNICEF,” Mine Action Support Group, Newsletter, July 2004.
[125] See EC contribution to the appendices of this report; email from Catherine Hereftari, EC, 23 May 2003.
[126] Interview with Paul Huynen, Non-proliferation and Disarmament, Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Geneva, 24 June 2004. This clarifies different funding data included in Belgium’s Amended Protocol II Article 13 Report, Form E, 29 September 2003.
[127] Email from Koen Baetens, Assistant, Mine Ban Policy Unit, HI, 2 May 2003.
[128] Email from William Brown, Program Administrator, VVAF, 17 July 2003.
[129] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 201.
[130] FSD, “Annual Report 2003,” Geneva, p. 26.
[131] FSD, “Extension du projet de déminage en RDC 2004,” 27 March 2004, p. 3.
[132] Ibid, p. 19.
[133] Email from Eva Veble, DCA, 15 April 2004.
[134] Mine Action Investments database 5 May 2004; emails from Mine Action Unit, DFAIT Canada; Letter from Leah Feuer, Canadian Red Cross, 24 March 2003.
[135] Mine Action Investments Database, available at: www.mineaction.org .
[136] Email from Patrick Tillet, Desk Officer, UNMAS, 6 June 2002.
[137] UNMACC, “Statistiques de le situation de mines/UXO en RDC (septembre 2004).”
[138] Intervention by DRC, Workshop on Landmines, Nairobi, 2-4 March 2004; statement by Amb. Fabien-Emmery Zulu Kilo-Abi, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration, Geneva, 13 May 2003.
[139] “Ituri Braces for Ugandan Pullout,” IRIN, 17 April 2003.
[140] “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.
[141] “Un convoi de l’ONU saute sur une mine en Ituri: deux blessés legers," Agence France Presse, 25 August 2003; FSD, “Extension du projet de déminage en RDC 2004,” Kinshasa, 27 March 2004, p. 5.
[142] “UN Peacekeeper killed by Landmine in the DRC,” Xinhua, 13 May 2002.
[143] UNMACC, “Statistiques de le situation de mines/UXO en RDC (septembre 2004).”
[144] Intervention by Par-Dieu Mayenikini, ADDIHAC, Mine-Free World Roundtable, 10 December 2003; ICRC Special Report, “Mine Action 2003,” Geneva, August 2004, p. 21; “Survey of Landmines and UXO,” IRIN, 14 April 2004.
[145] UMACC, “Statistiques de le situation de mines/UXO en RDC (septembre 2004).”
[146] HI, “Mine-clearance: an activity that is always fraught with danger,” Press Release, 7 August 2001.
[147] Email from Taz Khaliq, Desk Officer, Handicap International, Brussels, 23 December 2002.
[148] “Rapport de la mission inter-agences d'évaluation des besoins humanitaires à Ikela, Bafwasende et à Banalia,” CRONGD Oriental, Collectif de la Tshopo, 26 February-3 March 2004.
[149] Field surveys by Landmine Monitor researcher for Tanzania; for more details see Tanzania report.
[150] DRC, “Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper,” Kinshasa, March 2002, pp. 12 and 17.
[151] Presentation by Mobile Kampagna, Director, National Program for Emergencies and Humanitarian Action, Brazzaville Workshop, 7 May 2003.
[152] Intervention by DRC, Workshop on Landmines, Nairobi, 2-4 March 2004; Statement by DRC, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 13 May 2003; Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 202; WHO, Emergency Preparedness and Response Highlights, n. 6 – July 2002, p. 2.
[153] “Special Report of the Secretary-General on the MONUC,” 27 May 2003.
[154] “DR Congo: Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Preparation Status Report,” IMF Country Report No. 04/223, Washington, July 2004, p. 5.
[155] African Development Bank Group, “The DRC and the African Development Bank sign US$42.9 million agreements,” Press Release No. SEGL3/F/30/03, 4 June 2003.
[156] Interview with Dr. José Bofoa Ngama, Head of Kisangani Provincial Hospital; Interview with Dr. Robert Mangulubele, Inspector of Health Province, Interview with Roger Angbongi, Senior Officer, Belgian Technical Cooperation, Kisangani, 28 March 2004.
[157] ICRC Special Reports, “Mine Action 2003,” Geneva, August 2004, p. 22; “Mine Action 2002,” July 2002, pp. 20-21; “Mine Action 2001,” July 2002, p. 17; “Mine Action 2000,” July 2001, p. 14; “Mine Action 1999,” August 2000, p. 18.
[158] Intervention by DRC, Workshop on Landmines, Nairobi, 2-4 March 2004; Article 7 Report, Form J, 21 June 2004.
[159] ICRC Physical Rehabilitation Programs, “Annual Report 2003,” Geneva, 9 March 2004, pp. 8 and 30, “Annual Report 2002,” June 2003; “Annual Report 2001,” 14 April 2002; “Annual Report 2000,” 13 June 2001; “Annual Report 1999,” 31 March 2000, p. 11.
[160] Presentation by Veronique Ntumba, Administrator of Health Institutions, DRC Red Cross, at the Brazzaville Workshop, 7 May 2003.
[161] HI, “Activity Report 2003,” Brussels, 15 August 2004, p. 17; HI, “Orthopedic Aid Production per Country Program 2003,” report prepared for ISPO by Technical Support Department, Brussels, undated.
[162] USAID, “Patrick J Leahy War Victims Fund: 2004 Portfolio Synopsis,” Washington DC, p. 25; email to Landmine Monitor (HRW) from William Brown, Program Administrator, VVAF, 17 July 2003.
[163] MONUC, “Simama Orthopedic Center in Kisangani,” 23 July 2003; Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 205; Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 203.
[164] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 203; HI, “Landmine Victim Assistance: World Report 2002,” Lyon, December 2002, pp. 76-79.
[165] Presentation by Izun Okomba, Director, Ministry of Social Affairs, Brazzaville Workshop, 7 May 2003.
[166] Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 205.
[167] Article 7 Report, Form J, 21 June 2004.
[168] Statement by DRC, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 13 May 2003.
[169] Statement by DRC, Fifth Meeting of States Parties, 17 September 2003.
[170] Statement by Mindia Monga, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Kinshasa, 3 May 2002.
[171] Presentation by Izun Okomba, Director, Ministry of Social Affairs, Brazzaville Workshop, 7 May 2003.
[172] Ibid; “State of the World’s Disabled People: Gathering information in 16 different countries 2000-2001,” Handicap International, Brussels, December 2002, p. 46.
[173] Decree number 009/2002 of 5 February 2002; Article 7 Report, Form A, 30 April 2003; Statement by DRC, Standing Committee on Victim Assistance, 13 May 2003.
[174] Interview with Banza Ngoy Katumwe and Marcel Quirrion, 23 June 2004.