Progress in inter-Congolese dialogue. (Peace Watch).

On 14 May, the head of a Security Council delegation lust back from the Democratic Republic of the Congosaid the establishment of a transitional government in Kinshasa, disarming of rebel groups and withdrawal of foreign troops were the essential next steps to advance the peace process in the country. Ambassador Jean-David Levitte of France said the establishment of a transitional government of national unity would not only help Rwanda deal with its security issues but also enable the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) to better discharge its functions. He hailed progress in the interCongolese dialogue, including the adoption of texts constituting a basis for a transition period leading to democratic elections, but cautioned that "there's still a long way to go". Stressing that such dialogue must produce an inclusive agreement "that leaves no one aside", he said the parties must take part in it without preconditions and in an open spirit.

The illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not only continuing but also being consolidated in many areas, resulting in a ruinous effect on the civilian population, according to a report released on 24 May. Following two months of fact-finding within and around the Great Lakes region, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth in the country issued a preliminary report of its findings to the Security Council.

Various strategies employed to divert revenues for personal gain or to pay foreign armies--either to maintain their support against rival groups or finance continuing, existing military operations--have led to "the further collapse of most local economies and the deepening impoverishment of most Congolese families", according to the report.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll of this exploitation is widespread, especially in the eastern part of the country. "Local populations, including children, are being conscripted and used as forced labour in the extraction of resources by some military forces in different regions", the Panel said. "While mortality levels vary greatly from place to place, depending on the extent of conflict and the availability of health services, overall they are among the highest in the world."