The army must demonstrate that it is capable of acting for the protection of all civilians, irrespective of their ethnic, community or political affiliation.

Civilians in the east are looking to their government for protection. But in many cases government soldiers are acting little better than the insurgent groups.

The government's actions have undermined the credibility and authority of the AU at a time when it is meeting in the Sudanese capital.

However, real unification of the armed forces is a prerequisite for elections that are free of human rights abuses, and for the success of future peace-building in the country.

This plan is welcome. But fundamental problems relating to the discipline, training and accountability of the integrated brigades need also to be addressed as a matter of priority.

These people are prisoners of conscience, imprisoned solely on account of their non-violent opinions and activities.

This meeting was a transparent meeting - previously known to the authorities - of those working towards peace and justice in the region.

African leaders owe it to their people to work vigorously with President Obasanjo to see that Taylor faces trial expeditiously.

The failure by the DRC government to create a professional, truly unified army is contributing in a large measure to the continuing instability in the east and needlessly putting civilian lives at risk.