Report: U.N. effort in DRC failing

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- United Nations-backed efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have failed to disrupt supply lines to rebel forces, a report said.

The document, reviewed by the BBC, said, "Military operations have not succeeded in neutralizing the (rebel group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) and have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis."

The report said U.N. forces supporting Congolese government troops have failed to stop supply lines to Rwandan Hutu rebels, and indicated looting of mineral resources and a surge in rapes and, the British broadcaster reported Wednesday.

The report says FDLR rebels, led by some who were involved in the Rwandan genocide, could use international networks to augment their arms supply and to recruit soldiers.

In addition, the report said the Congolese army has factions within it that essentially operate as militias. One group, led by former warlord Gen. Bosco Ntaganda, has grown in influence since the military operation began earlier this year.

Ntaganda, also known as "the Terminator," is wanted by the International Criminal Court for allegedly forcing children into the military in 2002-03, the BBC said.

The report, which will be reviewed by the U.N. Security Council, also noted the U.N. mandate may present a conflict because it calls for U.N. forces to protect civilians as well as support a military operation that aggravated a humanitarian crisis.