PSC/PR/Comm. (XI)
Page 1
COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 11TH MEETING OF THE PEACE
AND SECURITY COUNCIL
The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), meeting in its eleventh
meeting, on 4 June 2004, considered the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC). On that occasion, the PSC listened to the representatives of the DRC and
Rwanda.
At the end of its deliberations, the PSC adopted the following communiqué:
A.
ON THE SITUATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)
Council,
1.
Expresses its grave concern over the prevailing situation in Bukavu and in the
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in general;
2.
Strongly condemns the occupation, on 2nd June 2004, of the city of Bukavu by
dissident soldiers of the new Congolese National Army, as well as the acts of looting,
rape and massive violations of human rights that accompanied the occupation of the
city;
3.
Further condemns any act of incitement of ethnic hatred and any other act
likely to generate discord among the local communities;
4.
Urges all the parties concerned to exercise restraint and to seek a peaceful
solution to the current crisis through dialogue;
5.
Takes note of the announcement by the mutineers of their decision to withdraw
from Bukavu and demands upon them the immediate transfer of the administration
of the province to the civilian and military authorities designated by the Government, in
conformity with the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive and All-Inclusive Agreement
and the Constitution governing the transition;
6.
Reiterates AU’s full support to the peace and reconciliation process in the DRC,
as well as to the transitional institutions. In this respect, Council underlines the
importance of bringing to a successful end the process of reestablishing the authority of
the State over the whole Congolese territory, as well as the process of establishing a
unified army and security services;
7.
Renews its support to the United Nations Mission in Congo (MONUC) and
welcomes the efforts being deployed by the Mission to restore peace and security in
the country, in order to create conditions conducive to the successful conclusion of the
transition process;