/ 6 April 2007

UN says 149 of Bemba’s men disarmed

A total of 149 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) soldiers loyal to an ex-rebel leader have been disarmed after turning themselves in to a United Nations base, a UN spokesperson said on Thursday.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC is in discussions with the government regarding the handover of the troops to government authorities for reintegration into the national army, UN spokesperson Michele Montas said.

The soldiers, formerly loyal to ex-warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba, began turning themselves in last month, after a two-day clash between Bemba’s personal militia and security forces left at least 150 dead. At the height of the violence, Bemba, who came in second in last year’s presidential election and has routinely been at odds with the government, sought refuge inside the South African embassy, while his guard took flight.

Bemba once commanded a 20 000-strong rebel army, but his militia is now thought to number closer to around 1 000.

In addition to the 149 former guards that have sought refuge at the UN base, there are also 93 women and 109 children who claim to be the relatives of the men.

No handover has yet taken place, however, as a detailed agreement is being negotiated by which the government would guarantee respect for the human rights of the former guards, their proper treatment before the law should they face legal action, and would guarantee UN officials access to them, Montas said. – Sapa-AP