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Congolese army main source of arms for rebels

Divided loyalties, corruption and a complete lack of stockpile management means that the Congolese national army (FARDC) is the source of weapons for the two main opposing armed rebel groups in the bloody conflict in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A UN group of experts monitoring the arms embargo on the DRC released their latest report on 12 December.

Europe unites against irresponsible arms sales

The European Union transformed its Code of Conduct on Arms Exports into a legally binding agreement on Monday 8 December. The adoption of the Code as an EU ‘common position’ means that states must incorporate the Code into their national legislation on arms transfers. The adoption was endorsed by France, the current EU President, which previously had blocked the move to legally binding status.

94 states sign Treaty to Ban Cluster Munitions

94 states have signed a Treaty that will ban the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions. The historic ceremony took place in Oslo, Norway on Wednesday 3 December. The Treaty obliges nations to destroy all stockpiles within eight years and to clear contaminated land within ten years. It is hoped that the number of countries will rise to 100 before the end of 2008.