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DR Congo

Gunilla Carlsson on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

On Sunday 6 January 2008, Gunilla Carlsson took part in a conference on peace, security and development in Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"The situation in eastern Congo is a humanitarian disaster. What is happening in Kivu tragically demonstrates the fact that security is a fundamental prerequisite for development. We need to be better at designing aid that creates a sense of security and safety. If fundamental security is not established in Kivu, the conflict risks becoming regional once again.

Sweden's contribution to the conference in Goma should be seen in the light of our increasingly intense involvement in the Great Lakes Region. The conference can hopefully turn out to be a first step in the political dialogue that is needed to create a bearable situation for the civilian population of Kivu. There is a long way to go and support from the wider world is vital," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

The conference in eastern Congo is being hosted from 6-14 January by the Congolese government with the support of the UN and various donor countries, including Sweden, which is contributing USD 100 000. Apart from members of the government and parliamentarians, representatives from communities and other groups are taking part in the conference. Bilateral meetings took place in Goma between Ms Carlsson and representatives of the Congolese government. Participation in the first day of the conference was a part of Ms Carlsson's current visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda from 5-11 January.

Background

The conference in Goma was organised in light of the difficult situation in the eastern Congolese province of Kivu, which has been described by UN representatives as currently one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. At present, almost one million people are in flight in the Kivu region. The crisis originated in the war in the Congo in 1998-2002 when almost 4 million people were killed. It is estimated that 1 000 people are still dying every day in eastern Congo as a result of the war. The civilian population is being subjected to systematic violence. Women and children are at particular risk. Brutal sexual violence is a common occurrence. The perpetrators include both representatives of militia groups, as well as the federal Congolese army.

Contact:

Mikael T. Eriksson
Press Secretary to Gunilla Carlsson
+46 8 405 59 39
+46 70 303 29 51
mikael.t.eriksson@foreign.ministry.se