Tripartite Plus Joint Commission met 4-5 December; set 31 December deadline for PALIPEHUTU-FNL to re-enter Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism before imposition of travel, financial and armament restrictions: FNL demand security assurances before return. Parliament voted South African mediator Charles Nqakula unsuitable 14 December; accused him of bias. New grouping of regional and international actors “la Direction politique” set up 15 December in response to impasse. FNL attacked army in Bubanza province, 28 December. UNSC extended BINUB mandate to end 2008. Trial began of former leader of ruling CNDD-FDD Hussein Radjabu on charges of encouraging instability.

Insecurity continued in north with limited progress on political dialogue. President Francois Bozize established committee 1 December to prepare dialogue with opposition and rebel groups. Committee has 90 days to report before talks to be organised in Bangui. All groups designated representatives except APRD and UFDR.

Heavy fighting continued in east throughout month, yet government- sponsored peace conference due 6 January. Intentions of participants unclear and ceasefire not yet observed, but conference offers opportunity to move towards peace. Government launched offensive against forces under Laurent Nkunda in North Kivu with MONUC logistical support, 3 December. Army suffered significant defeat to rebels at Mushake, 11 December. Nkunda declared unilateral ceasefire 24 December ahead of 27 December (postponed to 6 January) peace conference. Congolese, Rwandan representatives met in Goma 16 December; proposed implementation taskforce for November Nairobi Communiqué to conduct anti-FDLR operations. U.S. pledged to strengthen FARDC in Kivu at 4-5 December Tripartite Plus Joint Commission summit. Kinshasa signed border security deal with Kampala 15 December. Ugandan LRA rebels based in Garamba national park reportedly attacked town of Duru 16 December, causing mass displacement.