Uganda says World court ruling of DR Congo $325m reparations unfair

Uganda on Thursday described the International Court of Justice ruling(ICJ) ruling on Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) reparations as unfair and wrong.

The ICJ on Wednesday ruled that Uganda pays 325 million dollars in reparations to DR Congo for its role in conflicts in Congo's resource-rich Ituri province.

In a statement, the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "while the amount awarded was far less than that sought by DR Congo, Uganda nevertheless considers the judgment unfair and wrong just as the previous 2005 judgement on liability was unfair and wrong.''

Delivering its judgement on Wednesday, the ICJ broke down the compensation, awarding the DRC 225 million dollars for damage to persons, which includes loss of life, rape, recruitment of child soldiers, and displacement of civilians.

The country will also receive 40 million dollars for damage to property, and 60 million dollars for damage to natural resources, including the looting and plundering of gold, diamonds, and timber.

"The Court notes that the reparation awarded to the DRC for damage to persons and to property reflects the harm suffered by individuals and communities as a result of Uganda's breach of its international obligations," said Judge Joan Donoghue, the ICJ President.

The DRC initially filed the case with the ICJ in June 1999, citing acts of armed aggression perpetrated by Uganda on its territory "in flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and of the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity."

At the height of the war, more than nine African countries were drawn into the fighting.

The Court ruled in December 2005 that Uganda had to make reparation to the DRC, but the sides could not reach agreement.

Uganda is ordered to pay the 325 million dollars compensation in five annual instalments of 65 million dollars, starting in September.