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DR Congo

EUFOR remains committed to securing the DRC electoral process

By Eoin Young / MONUC

At the weekly EUFOR press conference this Thursday November 9 2006, EUFOR said that they remain committed to securing the DRC electoral process, in the run up to the publication of the second round presidential results on November 19.

EUFOR spokesman Lt. Colonel Thierry Fusulba said that the 1,400 strong EUFOR force was in Kinshasa to reassure the population on the one hand, and as dissuasion to those who wish to disrupt the electoral process by extreme violence on the other.

With these aims in mind, EUFOR has intensified their day and night patrols on the streets of Kinshasa, both through vehicles and on foot, as well as through the use of surveillance drones.

Lt. Col. Fusulba underlined the fact that the only people who have to worry are those that wish to 'disrupt the course of the elections through extreme violence', referring to the unrest of August 20 to 22 last.

"This violence would go against the choice of the people, people who are moreover the first victims of these extremists. Therefore the patrols that we are conducting are a measure of precaution against this threat."

In response to a question posed in relation to FARDC troop movements in the city, he explained that there was no movement of troops that would constitute a threat to the security of the electoral process.

He also spoke on the future of EUFOR in the DRC, which, according to its original four month mandate, will expire on November 30.

"Discussions are continuing on the political level, and nothing has been decided yet. It is up to the political authorities in Europe to announce their decision on this subject."

He added that the EUFOR soldiers also wish to know the exact date when they will go home, but that at present, the date remains November 30, and that any mission extension would necessitate another EU resolution.