The DRC President Joseph Kabila in the closing ceremony of the national consultations on 5 October 2013. MONUC Photo / M. Asmani.The DRC President Joseph Kabila in the closing ceremony of the national consultations on 5 October 2013. MONUC Photo / M. Asmani.
“A government of national unity will be established soon,” announced Wednesday, October 23 the President of the DRC, Joseph Kabila, who was speaking to both houses of Parliament convened in Congress. The head of the Congolese government has unveiled a series of measures to respond to the recommendations of the national consultations he convened last month in Kinshasa. 

The government of national unity that will soon be set up consisting of representatives of the current presidential majority, the opposition and civil society. Its mission: to restore peace and restore the authority of the state in the country, consolidate national unity, support the decentralization process and the organization of elections and improve the social conditions of the population.

To monitor the action taken in response to recommendations of the national consultations, Joseph Kabila has established a “national committee to monitor national guidelines.” This body of a one-year term, renewable as many times as necessary, is under the leadership of Presidents of both Houses of Parliament who co-led the National Consultations.

Kampala talks

Regarding talks Kampala between the Congolese government and the rebel M23, the Congolese Head of State recalled that “provided for a few weeks, these discussions have been 10 months now with no immediate prospect of conclusions.”

He took the opportunity to say “the Congolese government can not compromise on the terms of amnesty and reintegration into the army unrepentant offenders,” noting that it remained “open to dialogue” to resolve the conflict triggered in eastern DRC since May 2012.

As with other national and foreign armed groups that national Consultations recommended to eradicate, Kabila said “unreservedly subscribe” to this exhortation.

“They must lay down their arms and surrender or they will be coerced,” warned Joseph Kabila praised “the rise of the Armed Forces of the DRC.”

President Kabila also promised to continue the reform of the security sector remains “top priority.” The focus will be on training, staffing of the armed forces in proper equipment and the “principle of rotation of the entire country for the Armed Forces of the DRC.”

With regard to sexual violence and the recruitment of children in armed forces and groups, Joseph Kabila announced a “personal representative of the Head of State in charge of promoting the fight against sexual violence and the recruitment of children into armed groups “will soon be appointed.

This person will be the contact point for international organizations working in this sector.

Presidential pardon for civil

President Kabila has also responded to the recommendation of national consultations on the release of some prisoners.

He said he “signed an order this morning pardon for civilians.” The military detained without trial or sentenced but eligible for a presidential pardon must wait until the amnesty law that the project will soon be submitted to Parliament.

Source: http://radiookapi.net (translated from French)