In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 27 former rebels join Ebola prevention efforts. African Union (AU) Returning to Sudan. Thailand looking for a new way out of conflict in South.
In DRC, 27 Former Rebels Join Ebola Prevention Efforts
On August 15, the UN reported that 27 former rebels were being deployed in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to help stop the spread of Ebola. The former rebels received training on prevention measures, and are now visiting several areas including the central market, the town centre, and the animal feed production site.
The former rebels are teaching people the importance of regular handwashing, and shared information on how to identify symptoms. They stressed the need to promptly report suspect cases to health authorities.
Florent Nzama, coordinator of a local NGO network, said, “The idea here is to make these former combatants and community members active participants in the fight against Ebola.”
A representative of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) said the program demonstrates how former combatants can make a positive contribution to society after they are demobilized.
African Union Returning to Sudan
From August 16 to 17, a delegation from the African Union (AU) visited Sudan to promote a ceasefire, improve humanitarian access, and restart a political process to end the country’s dire civil war which began in April 2023. Hundreds of thousands have been killed in the war, with estimates about the exact number varying.
The delegation met with Sudanese authorities including Sovereign Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Prime Minister Kamil Idris. Mohamed Khaled, the council’s rotating president for this month, said the body respects Sudan’s sovereignty and unity, although he expressed concern over the war increasing casualties and damaging infrastructure and aid.
Some commentators have suggested that the AU’s decision to reopen its Sudan liaison office could bring the country closer to peace. On August 17, Maram Mahdi wrote in Institute for Security Studies (ISS), “A physical presence offers unique benefits. It would secure the AU’s role as the primary interlocutor in Sudan’s peace processes and as the only Quintet member with a political presence on the ground.”
Thailand Looking for a New Way Out of Conflict in South
The head of Thailand’s National Intelligence Agency says he is looking into a different approach to solve the conflict in the country’s southern region, which has been embroiled in an insurgency which has killed nearly 8,000 people since 2004. The region used to belong to the independent Malay sultanate of Patani.
Thanut Suvarnananda suggested that it may be a good idea to reopen discussions on which type of governance would be appropriate for the region. Suvarananda told Reuters, “From the discussions I’ve had, I think I’ve found what is at the heart of it: an appropriate form of governance.”
Suvarananda said he hopes to turn South Thailand’s main rebel group, the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), from an adversary into a potential partner. He added that Amnesty, pardons and sentence reductions for suspected insurgents with outstanding warrants or in custody were being considered.
Keywords: DRC, Congo, DR Congo, Ebola, rebel, M23, prevention, Sudan, African Union, AU, Thailand, South Thailand Insurgency, peace, conflict, conflict resolution
Tara Abhasakun is Peace News Network (PNN)'s managing editor. She is journalist based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and formerly in Bangkok, Thailand. She has reported on a range of human rights issues involving youth protests in Thailand, as well as arts and culture. Tara's work has appeared in several outlets, including Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
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