France/DRC/Rwanda

Sarkozy urges DRC and Rwanda to co-operate in peace process

Article published on the 2009-03-26 Latest update 2009-03-26 16:29 TU

Kabila (R) greets Sarkozy
(Photo: Reuters)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivered a keynote speech to lawmakers Thursday in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) calling for a "new momentum" for Africa's troubled Great Lakes region. Sarkozy spoke before a special sitting of parliament in Kinshasa on the first leg of a three-nation visit.

Sarkozy spoke before a special sitting of parliament in Kinshasa on the first leg of a three-nation visit to three countries in a region which has ravaged for years from rival militias.

The French President said the DRC should work together with neighbouring countries for mutual benefit.

"In the east, it seems to me more necessary than ever to
generate projects which unite. Why not give a new momentum to what already exists...and why not take it further?" he asked.

Sarkozy praised DRC President Joseph Kabila for his "courageous decision" to launch a military operation with Rwanda in January to oust Hutu rebels in eastern Congo.

Sarkozy stirred controversy in January when he said the DRC should look for a new approach in peace efforts to end violence in the major city of Goma. He suggested that the country consider wealth-sharing with its neighbour Rwanda.

His comments led the Congolese media to suggest he wanted a "Balkanisation" of the DRC and opposition groups protested his visit.

Critics in the DRC also accused Paris of seeking to use its mineral wealth as a means to help restore its relations with Rwanda.

Sarkozy is hoping to assuage fears. Ahead of the visit, aides in his office said: "There is no French peace plan, no plan to share riches, it is not the right moment."

Sarkozy is also visiting Cogno Brazzaville and Niger on his tour.