DRC gun-running 'rife'

2004-12-24 10:21

London - A British parliamentary report says that arms smuggling in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is widespread, the BBC said.

The British Broadcasting Company has seen the report which says the widespread nature of arms smuggling in the eastern DRC is encouraging armed groups to re-ignite the conflict.

The BBC says the report by lawmakers recommends stepping up the checking and control of arms flows by United Nations peacekeepers in the central African country.

UN peacekeepers created a buffer zone on Tuesday between rival factions of the Congolese army in the DRC's east.

The report also rebukes the UN for not giving measures to counter the trade higher priority, the BBC said.

- AFP