United Nations Radio

UN special envoy for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Alan Doss, was this past weekend in the Kivu provinces in the east, to assess progress in the joint UN/Congolese army operations against illegal armed groups.

Alan Doss

Doss was traveling with the Congolese minister of defense.

Together they met with UN and Congolese commanders and reviewed issues of cooperation and coordination between the two sides, and how to improve protection for civilians. They also discussed issues around the disarmament and repatriation of Rwandan Hutu rebels.
According to the UN Mission (MONUC), the two sides agreed to strengthen the planning and execution of their military and other joint tasks. They also agreed to hold a further assessment meeting in July.

The Mission, meanwhile, has welcomed the 30-year sentences against five militia fighters found guilty of a spree of rape and other sexual crimes.

The verdict was delivered by a Congolese military court in Kinsangani on Friday.

The five men were also sentenced to pay financial damages to their more than 135 female victims. The Mission assisted with the investigations and monitored the trial to ensure it complies with international standards.

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio.

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