U.N, aid organizations failing Congo

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Residents in the Democratic Republic of Congo are growing frustrated with aid organizations and international peacekeepers in the face of new violence.

Congolese residents say they want a more aggressive United Nations peacekeeping force operating alongside the Congolese Army amid new violence in eastern provinces, The New York Times reported Sunday.

The fight between the Congolese Army and rebels loyal to the renegade Gen. Laurent Nkunda signifies the inability of the national army to respond to attacks by rebel forces that left 425,000 people displaced in 2007.

U.N. officials responded to the criticism noting their mandate allows the use of force to protect civilians, aid humanitarian measures and in self defense -- but is not mandated to act as a surrogate national force.

Congolese also voiced concern about the effectiveness of aid organizations, whose actions are curtailed by the lack of security.

Frustration stems from the mandates of the aid groups, which may focus on long-term goes while neglecting immediate needs, the Times said.

Disease and hunger are the primary causes of death in the region with an estimated four million dead in the past decade.

Doctors Without Borders spokesman Augustin Augier said disease is endemic and a symptom of the larger problems.

"The violence and disease are completely connected," he said.