Sources: AllAfrica, IRIN, Washington post, Africa Infodoc
December 16, 2001
- The International Court of Justice has made a preliminary order in a case in which the DRC sued Uganda for illegally exploiting Congolese resources and done acts of repression against Congolese nationals. It has upheld two of Uganda's counter-claims as admissible and a third as inadmissible
December 17, 2001
- A UN-Panel, chaired by Mahmoud Kaseem, called for a moratorium on the purchase and export of precious products originating from regions of the DRC occupied by foreign troops. The USA said the moratorium would be unenforceable. Uganda's foreign minister said the addendum to the panel's report reflected a more balanced approach then the previous report, produced under direction of mrs Safiatou N'Daw. He said to be concerned for small farmers and artisanal miners in DRC in case of sanctions. Zimbabwe stressed not to be in DRC for looting resources but at the invitation of the government to help protect it from invading forces.
December 19, 2001
- The leader of the FDF (Forces Republicaines Federalistes), Muller Ruhimbika, said that media reports that he had acquired arms to fight Rwandan troops in Kivu were wrong. FDF is a Banyamulenge organisation, formed in 1998 in opposition to Rwanda and RCD-Goma. Ruhimbika said that his organisation seeks a politically negotiated solution by emphasising on the reconciliation with their (Congolese) neighbours.
- Officials from 32 countries met in Botswana and endorsed a certification scheme to curb the trade in illegal diamonds from conflict areas. The plan will be presented to the UN General Assembly for its endorsement.
December 20, 2001
- A new report by Medecins Sans Frontieres, "Violence and Access to Health in the DRC", indicates that death rates in DRC are catastrophic. In the northeastern part of the country around 10 percent of the overall population has died over a 12-month period; this is 5 times higher than normally expected. In the same period about a quarter of children less than five years has died. Indirect effects of violence, such as increase in infectious diseases and malnutrition are the main causes.
December 21, 2001
- The Brussels conference, organised by the World Bank, commended the Kinshasa government for its efforts at economic reform. A resource mobilisation meeting will be held in March 2002.
December 27, 2001
- The International Crisis Group (ICG) has called on the UN and the international community to make clear to Rwanda and Uganda that any recurrence of hostilities would lead to "sanctions with teeth". ICG said that the poor relations between the erstwhile allies is linked to different strategies on the management of the Congo war, regional leadership rivalries, and competition over Congo's resources.
- World Vision has published a study "Peace and Reconciliation for Children of War, healing the Wounds in Northern Uganda". About 250.000 children in Uganda, RDC, Rwanda and Burundi have been massacred in wars. At last 20.000 are child soldiers since mid last year in the region.
- Uganda has deployed six battalions on the Kenya-Sudan border to protect the Karamojong from external aggression and curb illicit gun trafficking, government sources said. A recent report from the US State Department said there are about 40.000 illegal guns in the Karamoja region.
December 30, 2001
- In a detailed article in the Washington Post, Douglas Farah describes the links between diamond trade in DRC and financing of radical Islamic organisations, as Hezbollah and al Qaeda. These groups buy diamonds in Congo "at the source" always at a fraction of their market value. The best quality stones are sold at Antwerp, while the bulk of the stones go to emerging diamond centres in the United Arab Emirates and Bombay. The RDC government acknowledges the facts but says they are difficult to combat. In Belgium a criminal investigation is running against Lebanese diamond merchants Samih Osailly and Aziz Nassour. Allegedly they sold large quantities of diamonds to persons who are identified by the FBI as al Qaeda operatives. This corresponds with information in the UN Security Council report on Congo.
January 3, 2002
- Ugandan troops have been deployed in Bunia. In ethnic fighting some 50 people have been killed in five days. By Ugandan sources it concerns confrontations between Lendu and Alur, who are usually allies.
- Museveni and Kagame and the British minister Claire Short are to meet soon to continue the normalisation of relations between Uganda and Rwanda.
January 5, 2002
- Lendu fighters have attacked Ugandan troops in Bunia on January 1; six Ugandans died.
January 7, 2002
- The World Food Programme plans to continue aid to the populations in Equateur Province in spite of low food stocks of the organisation. `The barge that brought food to Mbandaka came back in Kinshasa on December 30. Another barge bound for the same town should depart Kinshasa by 15 January. Especially in the areas of Bokungu and Basankusu many persons are malnourished.
- World Bank has concluded consultations on a planned Multi-Donor Trust Fund to support the demobilisation-reintegration program for the Great Lakes region. Donors have welcomed the World Bank's initiative.
- A reconstituted expert panel set up by the UN Security Council is expected to get a mandate for a 6-month period. The panel's next report should include an update of relevant data and analysis of further information from all relevant countries; an evaluation of possible actions that could be taken by the Council; recommendations on actions in support of the Congolese government; and recommendations on possible steps against transit-countries and end-users of illegally exploited natural resources. An interim report is expected in 3 months.
- Belgium will finance infrastructure rehabilitation projects in Kinshasa, totalling US $ 1.8 million.
January 9, 2002
- After a delegation visited Kinshasa this week the Burundi government made a commitment to withdraw its troops from DRC. The DRC government pledged to discontinue its support to Burundi rebels.
- Human Rights Watch said that Rwandan authorities must investigate the murder of Munyarubuga, one of the founders of the Ubuyanja party of former president Pasteur Bizimungu, and end harassment of other opposition and press figures.
January 10, 2002
- The next round of peace talks in DRC may be delayed until mid-February.
- Following the article in the Washington Post, the US government has begun investigating Zimbabwean and Congolese army generals who are accused of selling diamonds to radical Islamic groups.
January 11, 2002
- MONUC has opened an investigation into a UN peacekeeper accused of trying to rape a 10-year old girl.
- Sources in Kampala tell that relations between Kampala and Kinshasa are warming up The Ugandan minister of foreign affairs col. Otafiire has flown to Kinshasa for talks with DRC government officials. In Kinshasa Taban Amin, son of former President Idi Amin still occupies the ambassador's residence in Kinshasa. Reports say that Taban heads a group of Ugandan rebels, which was supported by the late Kabila.
- Joseph Kabila questions the decision to invite Museveni and Kagame to sit in on the SADC summit on January 14 in South Africa.
- Bishop Mgr Marcel Utembi Tapa of Mahagi-Nioka, a region in Eastern Province bordering Sudan and Uganda, made clear that Congo is being looted by its neighbours, His declaration has been published by Fides in Rome.
- In a press communication by the Belgian Department of Foreign Affairs it is announced that between January 14 and 17 a conference will take place of members of the Congolese political opposition and the Societe Civile. The meeting is meant to stimulate the coming Intercongolese Dialogue.
January 12, 2002
- The EU has committed itself to release US $ 108 million in development aid to the DRC. The money comes from the European Development Fund. Unlike emergency funds from the European Commission's Humanitarian aid Office (ECHO); development aid has been frozen since 1990. The ministers Straw (UK) and Vedrine (France) have announced to visit Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC later in January. This demonstrates that the United Kingdom and France are working together closely on this problem, a British spokesman in Kampala said.
January 15, 2002
- Dozens of UPDF soldiers have been killed in a battle with over 800 Mai Mai militias near Butembo. RCD-Kisangani denies the loss of Butembo. Hundreds of people have fled the town. MONUC is verifying the information; it states that the UPDF is not supposed to be in Butembo according to the Lusaka agreement.
- In Brussels 85 Congolese representatives have come together on invitation of the Belgian foreign minister Michel. Observers from UN, OAU and EU are also present.
January 16, 2002
- The Ugandan major Bantariza denies that the UPDF has been involved in fighting near Butembo, since it has no presence in the area.
- The participants of the Brussels conference have reached complete agreement: On the whole territory first local-, than national-, and finally presidential elections should be held. These have to satisfy 5 conditions: preceded by a national census, restoration of complete freedom of movement for people and goods, an educational programme, technical and financial assistance and establishing a sufficiently functioning judicial system. There must be a national army, not tribally organised, submitted to civil control, respecting people and property. There should be one president, without vice-presidents.
January 17, 2002
- Museveni has met J-P Bemba in Kampala. At the SADC-summit Kabila had an unplanned meeting with Bemba and Onusumba.
- The UPDF has redeployed troops on the border with the DRC following clashes there in which Isiro town was captured. The people are scared this may damage their commercial activities. Earlier Bemba repulsed an attack on his forces in Bambesa by Nyamwisi (RCD-K). Sources also said that Bemba backed Roger Lumbala to capture Isiro and Watsa, towns known for gold trade. The UPDF is determined to restore the former situation.
- The population of Goma are fleeing rivers of lava after an eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano. The UN asks for emergency help. About 300.000 people are moving into Rwanda and 100.000 into Congo.
January 18, 2002
- The town of Goma has been destroyed for the greater part by the volcanic eruption. Offices of World Vision and Save the Children and warehouses belonging to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are burnt to the ground.
- UNHCR says in statement that its food reserves are not sufficient to cope with the refugee crisis in Central Africa. In Zambia humanitarian agencies are forced to put all refugees on half ration.
- Uganda is redeploying troops in the east of the DRC in towns as Bunia and Butembo. Spokesman Maj. Batariza of the UPDF said that precautions are taken to guarantee border security of Uganda. MONUC said to appreciate Uganda's security concerns.
- Belgium sends emergency help to Goma, worth € 1.25 million.
January 20, 2002
- British and French Foreign Affairs Ministers, J.Straw and H.Vedrine will visit Rwanda on January 22. The Rwandan government has requested that the two governments serve as intermediaries for negotiations with the FDLR about repatriation of the troops in Kamina. The FDLR Executive committee requests a meeting with Rwandan Government for direct negotiations.
January 21, 2002
- Ugandan immigration officials have refused to admit Congolese fleeing the volcanic eruption in Goma. The refugees pleaded to allow them cross through Kabale to Beni in the RDC where they have relatives. In Rwanda they cannot survive since they have lost everything. In Goma especially the sick, the elderly and the children died in the fire. There is massive looting in the areas of the city, which were not affected by the flowing lava.
- Congolese artefacts are illegally sold in the streets of Kampala. Sculptures, jewellery, masks, tribal thrones, which are centuries old, are being sold for a song. Diplomats facilitate this plunder since their luggage goes through the airports unchecked by customs. Europe, North America and Japan are the main destinations.
January 22, 2002
- Today Straw and Vedrine will meet Kabila to discuss peace in the Great Lakes Region.
- The cabinet of the DRC has condemned the international community's 'silence' on the redeployment of Ugandan troops in northeastern DRC.
January 23, 2002
- The South African government opens a bank account for help of victims of the volcanic eruption near Goma.
- Missionary organisations are distributing aid in Goma. They describe the situation as a 'humanitarian catastrophe'. The estimation of the number of victims varies between 80 and 150 including those who lost their lives when a gas station they were looting exploded. More then 80% of the buildings have collapsed or are seriously damaged.
- The UN and Foundation Hirondelle have launched a joint radio project, Radio OKAPI, in the DRC. It will have a central studio in Kinshasa and regional studios in Kananga, Mbandaka, Goma, Kisangani and Kalemie.
January 24, 2002
- Straw and Vedrine have admitted they have made no progress in their attempts to promote the Congolese peace process. The Rwandan Foreign Minister has told them that anti-government Rwandan Hutu militia had to be disarmed first.
- The Zambian company Status Hitech has started an export market survey for its mining equipment in the DRC
- The Rwandan organisation of genocide widows AVEGA and the collective of organisations of genocide survivors IBUKA stop cooperating with the Rwanda Tribunal because of the lack of respect they get from that side. They announce this in a common communiqué.
January 28, 2002
- In a report entitled 'Poverty in the midst of wealth' the British humanitarian agency Oxfam accuses Uganda of continued plunder of Congo resources. The report was handed to the French and British Foreign ministers. Even where UPDF troops have been withdrawn, commercial networks have been put in place by military commanders and criminal cartels with close links to Uganda. In this way Uganda's gold export in 2000 has risen to 10.83 tonnes and its diamond export to 35.000 carat.
January 29, 2002
- Roger Lumbala, who was heading Bemba's forces, has captured Bafwasende from Mbusa. RCD-K admits the loss and says that the Bemba group that took Bafwasende is backed by Rwanda. Lumbala accuses Mbusa of conspiring with the Kinshasa government.
- Kabila has announced structural reforms in several sectors, especially concerning Justice and the National Bank.
- Congo's Foreign minister Okitundu will ask the UN to form a commission of inquiry after armed groups in Congo. This demarche has been announced by Kabila on January 26 in a speech at the first anniversary as president.
January 30, 2002
- The American advocacy group Refugees International says that a 'slow-motion holocaust' is unfolding in eastern DRC. None of the leaders in de region seems to be willing to end the sufferings. The efforts of the international community appear 'feeble and ineffective'.
- A Mai Mai spokesman in Kinshasa, Anselme Enerunga, accuses Kigali of using chemical weapons (napalm) against the peaceful people in East-Congo.
January 31, 2002
- Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International ask attention for human rights abuses in Rwanda. It concerns especially two catholic lay figures that worked for reconciliation between Hutu and Tutsi. In their journey, called Ubuntu, the word 'ubuyanja' was used, which is associated by the government with a forbidden political party.
February 1, 2002
- Ugandan defence minister Mbabazi had asked the UN to intervene in the worsening situation in Bunia. There are ethnic clashes between the Hema and the Lendu.
February 3, 2002
- UN disaster expert Calvi is worried about the geological situation in the Goma area. A much larger volcanic eruption is not excluded.
- Belgian Foreign minister Michel is preparing a four-days trip to the DRC.
- Ernst Venter, general manager of Kumba Resources, says his company will commit up to US $ 30 million in re-developing the Kipushi zinc and copper mine. The arrangement provides for a joint venture American Mineral Fields.
February 6, 2002
- The Belgian government expresses its 'sincere regrets' for Belgium's role in the killing of Lumumba. A commission of inquiry found that Belgian politicians had been involved in the transfer of Lumumba to Katanga, which was controlled by his enemies. The Belgian government has decided to finance a Patrice Lumumba Foundation for projects involving conflict prevention.
- A delegation of Caritas-développement in DRC, headed by bishop Nzala, has paid a visit to Goma. One member of the delegation will stay there to reinforce Caritas-Goma. There is also much concern about the situation in Bukavu. The city accommodates 16844 people, fled from Goma, most of them in host-families, but the town itself is in a deplorable condition. The hills around it are menaced by erosion with the risk of sliding down into the Lake Kivu.
February 7, 2002
- In a bulletin entitled 'Children in the Eastern Congo: Adrift in a sea of war and poverty', the NGO Refugees International says that the impact of the conflict on children is devastating. They have no opportunity for education, and at most one meal a day. Many are forced to flee because of acute poverty, they start to sell sex or become child soldiers. After demobilisation they are vulnerable to being forced to re-enlist when returned to their villages.
- Humanitarian organisations in Bunia estimate that more than 15.000 people have been displaced in the surrounding region in the past few weeks by ethnic conflict among Lendu, Hema and Alur tribes and among political factions of several rebel groups. UN special representative Amos Ngongi called upon Uganda to protect civilians in the region.
- The Rwandan government accuses the Belgian Minister Michel, on visit in the DRC, of fuelling anti-Rwandan sentiments.
- In the Nebbi district in Uganda, near the border with Congo, over 400 people have fled their homes following the burning of over 200 houses in a clash between Omedo and Alur.
February 8, 2002
- UN-representative Ngongi has met Bemba and Mbusa, and asked them to stop their fighting immediately.
February 11, 2002
- Representatives from RCD-Goma withdrew from talks held in Geneva with delegations from Kinshasa and the MLC. They accuse Kabila of failing to observe the Lusaka peace agreement. The informal talks were held ahead of the resumption of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue in Sun City on February 25.
- UN agencies and NGO's discuss in Goma the dilemma: to invest in the reconstruction of the town still highly susceptible to future volcanic activity, or to declare the site uninhabitable and require the population to move to resettlement sites in 'safe zones'. For the population the choice is clear: they prefer to take their chances in the place they call home, no matter what the risk might be.
February 12, 2002
- The development ministers from The Netherlands, Norway and the U.K. had talks with Kabila and the DRC government. Minister Short (UK) said the atmosphere was very positive. Foreign minister Okitundu (DRC) said he hoped that the British government would help the DRC to improve relations with Uganda. Short said that MONUC must deploy to the east, followed by voluntary disarmament of rebel groups, and that pressure on external parties to draw back is necessary.
February 13, 2002
- The UN starts sending 2.000 persons to the east to assist disarmament of non-governmental fighters. The first 12 of them are expected in Kindu at the end of this week.
- In a new report Human Rights Watch denounces attacks on civilians in Ugandan occupied areas in northeastern Congo.
February 14, 2002
- The Ugandan government newspaper New Vision writes that the three travelling EU development ministers have hailed Uganda for making the first move to withdraw troops from the DRC. Museveni says: These sisters are friends of Uganda and Africa. He denied allegations that he is acting undemocratically: "Can you imagine that I am an obstacle to democracy? Me?"
- The International Court of Justice has decided that the Belgian arrest warrant for the acting Foreign Minister of the DRC, Yerodia Ndombasi, violated the international law. Human Rights Watch expressed its disappointment, and concluded that it highlights the need for the rapid establishment of the International Criminal Court.
February 15, 2002
- KUMBA Resources and Anglo American e.a. are in talks with Gecamines about possible partnerships and joint ventures in mining activities in the DRC. The new mining code would cut off income tax, reducing it from 50% to 30%. The code has still to be passed by Congo's parliament.
The newly reconstituted UN panel of experts investigating plunder of wealth from DRC has accepted to hand over to the Porter Commission proof against UPDF officers.
February 17, 2002
- Sources Independantes du Congo denounces that RCD-military have carried death and destruction near Walungu. It is this town to which the Belgian minister Michel was denied to travel in order to pay a visit to a hospital, financed with Belgian money.
February 18, 2002
- The Netherlands has pledged US $ 100 million to an international trust fund for the Great Lakes region. The purpose of the fund is to promote DDRRR in the region.
- The Ugandan government denies accusations by Amnesty International that the Ugandan police and army are linked to illegal arms trade in the country. Also, police chief Nabudere denies that police in Uganda were involved in torture: "Torture is not our policy," he said, but there could be flaws.
- Ugandan soldiers have taken full charge of Bunia after ethnic violence, when Lendu militia killed 200 civilians, most Hema. Human Rights Watch reproaches Uganda to keep enough control to continue getting rich from the Congo, but not take responsibility for protecting civilians.
February 19, 2002
- The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda urges the DRC to hand over to the Tribunal genocide suspects.
- In Kinshasa series of seminars has started to familiarise local lawyers with international human rights law. British ambassador in Kinshasa Atkinson condemned at the opening arbitrary arrests and abuses by government soldiers and police officers in Kinshasa.
February 20, 2002
- Kofi Annan complains about lack of cooperation of various political actors with MONUC. He asks the Security Council more troops and police for demilitarising Kisangani and further deployment to the eastern part of the country.
February 22, 2002
- Global Witness denounces Zimbabwe's involvement in exploiting timber resources in Congo.
February 25, 2002
- The Office of the Facilitator for the Inter-Congolese Dialogue has presented a draft agenda for the meetings of the dialogue which started today at Sun City (S.A.). Bemba was absent, as were some members of the unarmed opposition.
February 28, 2002
- There is a rupture in the Rwandan supported RCD: Morris Shetebo Muhambo says to speak on behalf of the RCD-OR (=original). He looks for a peaceful solution and reproaches Karaha, Nyarugabo and Ruberwa of being used by foreigners to block the peace talks at Sun City.
chronicle 9, september 29 -october 12 1997
chronicle 10, october 13 - october 26 1997
chronicle 11, october 27 - november 9, 1997
chronicle 12, november 10 -november 23 1997
chronicle 13, november 24 -december 7 1997
chronicle 14, december 8 1997 - january 4 1998
chronicle 15, january 5 - january 18 1998
chronicle 16, january 19 - february 1 1998
chronicle 17, february 2 - february 15 1998
chronicle 18, february 16 - march 1 1998
chronicle 19, march 2 - march 15 1998
chronicle 20, march 16 - march 29 1998
chronicle 21, march 30 - april 26 1998
chronicle 22, april 27 - mei 10 1998
chronicle 23, mei 11 - mei 31 1998
chronicle 24, juni 1 - august 26 1998
chronicle 25, august 27 - september 28 1998
chronicle 26,september 29- october 31 1998
chronicle 27, november 1- december 5 1998
chronicle 28, december 6 - january 24 1999
chronicle 29, january 25 - march 14 1999
chronicle 30, march 15 - may 9 1999
chronicle 31, may 10 - october 24 1999
chronicle 32, october 25 - january 9 2000
chronicle 33, january 10 - april 2 2000
chronicle 34, april 3 - june 25 2000
chronicle 35, june 26 - august 27 2000
chronicle 36, august 28 - october 29 2000
chronicle 37, october 30 - january 14 2001
chronicle 38, january 15 - march 18 2001
chronicle 39, march 19 - may 20 2001
chronicle 40, may 21 - july 15 2001
chronicle 41, july 16 - october 8 2001
chronicle 42, october 9 - december 15 2001