Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Fides Service) -“We can say with reasonable prudence that Rwanda has not stopped its policy of interfering with Democratic Congo RDC” Italian Xaverian mission Loris Cattani, with years of experience in Congo, commenting recent statements by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, with regard to a possible return of Rwandan troops to RDC. Rwanda says it is threatened by incursions by Rwandan Hutu militias who fled ten years ago to Democratic Congo Congo. “The problem of Hutu militias exists but many Congolese ask whether Rwanda exaggerates the threat of Hutu extremists to justify the presence of its own army in Congo ” Father Cattani told Fides. Several reports issued by the United Nations in recent years say Congo’s resources were being sacked by neighbouring countries, which had sent troops to eastern RDC.
“Rwanda says it has withdrawn from Congo, but Rwandan military have been seen in the ranks of the Congolese army and those of Congo guerrilla groups operating in eastern RDC. There are rumours, still to be verified, that these Rwandans assume the identity Tutsi Banyamulenge, Congolese Tutsi who have been living in Kivu region on the border with Rwanda for decades” Father Cattani told Fides.
Winds of war are blowing also at the Uganda/RDC border. The Ugandan army is on the alert because of the presence of the People's Redemption Army (PRA). “It is strange that this group has suddenly reappeared ”- a local source in Kampala, capital of Uganda told Fides -“Nothing had been heard of the PRA for some time. Now, in a few days it has become a threat to the nation ”. According to Fides sources “there are two possible explanations. First of all the Ugandan army has just presented a statement on the country’s defence plan demanding more government funds for military expenses. The reappearance of an old threat could help the assignment of more money for the army. The second motivation is Uganda’s interference in Kivu, in the north on the border with Uganda. At least 10 armed groups operate in Kivu destabilising the region. The presence of a group of Ugandan opposition could be a chance for Uganda to return to Kivu, from where Uganda troops withdrew in 2003” Fides sources said.
“Kivu is rich in resources including oil, and it has attracted local and foreign oil diggers” our sources said. According to information collected by Fides in the region, in eastern Democratic Congo an underground war is being led between Uganda and Rwanda who monopolise local guerrilla groups. “Rwanda is trying to extend its zone of influence in east Congo, aiming for the north and Kivu” local sources told Fides. “The problem is Butembo which is the border between Kivu, where Rwanda influence is stronger, and Ituri, where Uganda is trying to main a certain degree of control. We have been told that pro-Rwandan groups are trying to blow the fragile treaty reached at Butembo, to open the way to take Ituri. Some say the Ugandan guerrillas are supported by Rwanda to distract the Ugandan army from Ituri”. So RDC riches existing and potential remain at the centre of regional politics.
In this context, the government of Democratic Congo is trying to maintain national unity and stop the fighting on its territory. On the basis of peace agreements a unified army is being formed with the fusion of the different guerrilla movements which have fought each other for years. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 11/5/2004, righe 51 parole 654)
