Summary: Background to EU support to the DRC during the election process (Brussels, 12 June 2006)
Ten years ago, and following the genocide in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo was plunged in two successive wars (1996 and 1998) which in the end reached nearly continental dimensions. Millions of people died, the whole Great Lakes region was set aflame, decades of development were destroyed and unaccounted suffering, misery and turmoil was brought upon entire populations. Concerted efforts by the international community led to the Pretoria and Sun City agreements in 2002 which
paved the way for the transition taking place since then and which is coming to its term now.
Thus, 2006 might well be the most significant year for the DRC since independence. In summer 2006 the citizens of Africa's third largest country will go to the polls to elect a democratic government and president. As outlined in this background note the EU is strongly supporting this process, as the basis for peace and prosperity in the country. It is launching a new military operation in support of MONUC during the election period, which is part of the EU's overall support to the DRC
transition. That support can be broken down in terms of diplomatic and institutional as well military and technical support
Diplomatic support for the election process
• Being strongly committed to supporting peace, stability and development in Africa, the EU has been actively involved in the search for a lasting solution of conflicts in the African Great Lakes region. On several occasions, High Representative Javier Solana and Commissioner Louis Michel played an important role in moving the transition process forward, passing crucial junctures and mobilising international support. The EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes region, Aldo Ajello, has
been in regular contact with all key stakeholders on the ground since 1996 in close cooperation with the European Commission delegation in the DRC. The EU is also a member of the international committee (CIAT) supporting the transition. In addition, the EU is in the process of preparing for more structured political dialogue with the newly elected DRC government under article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement.
• On 15 May 2006, EU Foreign Ministers welcomed the holding of elections, which should fulfil the earnest desire of the Congolese people to elect those who are to represent them at different levels of the democratic institutions and to vote on programmes and social projects which will affect the future of the country: peace, development, security, good governance, and an end to impunity.
• They emphasised how important it is that the international community remain committed to the DRC beyond the election period, thereby showing continued support for the Congolese people with regard to rebuilding the country and to security. It was stressed that the European Union is determined to maintain its efforts in support of the authorities emerging from the elections.
Support for key institutions as a basis for electoral success
• The European Community's cooperation with the DRC was resumed in 2002 under the Cotonou Agreement. The Commission's indicative programme 2003-2007 aims to fight poverty and provide institution building and macro-economic support. Since 2002, these priorities have been funded with some EUR 750 million. Looking towards the next indicative programme for the period 2008-2013, the Commission will aim to build on the election process with support for governance, judicial reform and security sector
reform.
• The European Community's support for judicial and governance reform in the East of the DRC is central to establishing democratic and accountable institutions. The establishment of and support for the Integrated Police Unit (IPU) have also helped to create a basis for modern and professional policing in the DRC. Support for military reform has also been key, especially support for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration process and the brassage process. The Commission is also working
currently on a number of projects that will help deliver a post-election democracy dividend for the citizens of the DRC, including key infrastructure projects and a large linking relief and development project in the East of the DRC. A similar exercise of defining 'quick impact projects' is currently under way as regards the bilateral cooperation of EU Member States with the DRC.
Technical support for the electoral process
• European Community support for the election process in the DRC stands at EUR 149 million, making it the largest Community contribution ever to an election process. Together with EUR 100m of bilateral support provided by Member States, this amounts to EUR 250m (USD 320m) or nearly 80% of the overall costs for the elections.
• In addition to technical expertise in the delegation in Kinshasa, the EU is deploying a large Election Observation Mission (EOM), headed by General Philippe Morillon, Member of the European Parliament, which will include a core team, long term observers and short term observers. On the election days, it is anticipated that over 250 observers will be deployed across the country. The mission will pay particular attention to the result tabulation process. While maintaining independence, the EU
EOM will liaise closely with other international observer missions, in particular those from the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
The EU military operation in support of MONUC during the election period
• On 27 April 2006, the Council adopted a Joint Action on the European Union military operation in support of MONUC during the election process. The Joint Action forms the EU legal basis and sets out the framework for the operation. The military operation will be conducted in full agreement with the authorities of the DRC and in close coordination with them and MONUC. This autonomous EU-led operation will be conducted in the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
• The Council appointed Lieutenant General Karlheinz VIERECK (Germany) EU Operation Commander and Major General Christian DAMAY (France) EU Force Commander.
• Code-named EUFOR RD Congo, the military operation will be deployed in accordance with the mandate set out in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1671 (2006) adopted unanimously on 25 April. In that regard, EUFOR RD Congo will carry out the following tasks:
- to support MONUC to stabilise a situation, in case MONUC faces serious difficulties in fulfilling its mandate within its existing capabilities,
- to contribute to the protection of civilians under imminent threat of physical violence in the areas of its deployment, and without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of the DRC,
- to contribute to airport protection in Kinshasa,
- to ensure the security and freedom of movement of the personnel as well as the protection of the installations of EUFOR RD Congo,
- to execute operations of limited character in order to extract individuals in danger.
• EUFOR RD Congo will include: (i) the deployment of an advance element to Kinshasa of several hundred military personnel, and (ii) the availability of a battalion-size "on-call" force over the horizon outside the country, but quickly deployable if necessary. This force will be on stand-by, ready to be deployed upon decision by the EU.
• EUFOR DR Congo will be deployed in the DRC for a period of up to four months after the date of the first round of the presidential and parliamentary elections.
• The EU Operational Headquarters will be located in Potsdam (Germany).
• Under the responsibility of the Council of the EU, the Political and Security Committee will exercise the political control and strategic direction of EUFOR RD Congo.
Other ESDP Missions
• Before the new operation in support of MONUC, the previous missions conducted by the EU in the DRC under the European security and defence policy - the 2003 ARTEMIS operation and the ongoing EUPOL Kinshasa and EUSEC RD Congo missions - are concrete examples of the EU's action to support stability and transition in the country and of close and active co-operation between the EU and the UN in crisis management. These missions have played an important role in helping to achieve the objectives of
peace, development and stability as outlined in the Cotonou Agreement and the EU Africa Strategy.
| Top |
European Union Member States
Alerts by email
Email this page
Print this page