Representatives of President Joseph Kabila and Vice-President Jean Pierre Bemba, finalists in July’s election in the Democratic Republic of Congo, agreed on Tuesday to set up sub-commissions to investigate the causes of recent fighting in the capital and to work out ground rules for a run-off presidential poll due on 29 October, according to IRINnews.
The sub-commissions were set up, under the aegis of the UN Mission to the DRC (MONUC), at Tuesday’s opening session of the Joint Commission established after three days of fighting in Kinshasa that ended on 22 August.
MONUC said: “The purpose of the meeting was to validate the terms of reference of the Joint Committee. The delegates (three from each group) decided on the creation of two sub-commissions.”
In addition, it said, both parties promised to cooperate fully with the sub-commission of independent investigation and pledged continued support for the electoral process.
Rival troops supporting the Kabila and Bemba started fighting on 20 August, when the results of the first round of presidential elections were announced. At least 23 people were killed in the battle.
Representatives for the two sides did not make statements following Tuesday’s meeting but Swing said, “The two parties promised to collaborate fully with the commissions.”
They are set to begin their work on Wednesday.
Kabila and Bemba have accepted the mediation of ambassadors who form the International Committee for Support of the Transition. The two leaders also agreed to meet but tensions remain high.
In a related development, on Monday, Kabila’s troops released fishermen they had arrested during the fighting. According to a local human-rights group, Voice of the Voiceless, they were being punished for expressing their support for Bemba.
Kilde: www.irinnews.org
