KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 11 (UPI) -- The army chief of staff of the DRC, Jean-Willy Mutombo, said 18 army brigades are training to provide security for the upcoming general elections.
Mutombo said, "Seven brigades have already been trained, and there are seven others due for completion. We are sure that on July 5 we will have trained all 18 brigades."
The United Nations' Integrated Regional Information Networks news reported on May 9 that the training is a result of decisions by the Higher Defense Council, chaired by President Joseph Kabila.
Other council members include two vice presidents, the chiefs of staff of the army and police and the ministers of defense, the interior and foreign affairs.
On July 30, the country will see its first democratic elections to the presidency and legislature in 45 years.
Most of the brigades, each with 6,000 soldiers, will be sent to secure the Democratic Republic of the Congo's eastern provinces, which are still infested by foreign armed groups.
The European Union will provide 1,300 troops to support the estimated 17,000 United Nations peacekeeping troops already in the country.
