United Nations Security Council Resolution 1445

The Security Council stressed the obligation of all states to refrain from using force against the independence and territorial integrity of another state. It reaffirmed the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo over its natural resources. Furthermore, the Council recognized the need for a gender perspective in accordance with Resolution 1325 (2000) and protection of children in accordance with Resolution 1379 (2001).[4] It determined that the situation constituted a threat to international peace and security.[5]

The signing of the Pretoria Accord between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda and that of the Luanda Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda were welcomed by the Council.[5] Meanwhile, the decision of Angola, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe to fully withdraw their troops was also welcomed.[6] It stressed the importance of the voluntary disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation, reintegration and resettlement (DDRRR) programme and for all armed groups to participate in the process.

The Council welcomed the repatriation of ex-combatants from Kamina and the banning of activities of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda by the Congolese government throughout its territory. There were positive developments on the ground and there was a commitment among Congolese parties to achieve an inclusive political transition.[6] In this regard, the resolution authorised an expansion of MONUC of up to 8,700 military personnel in two task forces;[7] the second force would be deployed once the DDR caseload could not be met by the existing capacity of the first task force.

The resolution emphasised that the main responsibility for a settlement of the conflict rested with the parties themselves, and in this regard, called for:

• a cessation of hostilities by regular forces and armed groups;
• an end to the support of armed groups;
• the provision of full access for MONUC and TPVM (which oversaw the Rwandan withdrawal) throughout the country;
• the surrender of persons indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda;
• the demilitarisation of Kisangani;
• the restoration of freedom of movement in the Congo River.

There was concern at the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in Ituri Province where there was an increase in ethnic violence.[6] The Council called for full access by humanitarian organisations to populations in need. It reiterated that there should be no support for groups fighting in the east of the country, calling on MONUC to continue assessing police training and capabilities particularly in the Itrui region.

The concluding paragraphs of the resolution encouraged the normalisation of diplomatic relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, and the importance of preventing the spread of the conflict to nearby states including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Rwanda and Uganda. Finally, the harassment of Radio Okapi staff was condemned and a conference on peace, security, democracy and development in the African Great Lakes region was called for.