Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Fides Service)- “The situation is shaky but there are signs of hope particularly the fact that the international community appears to be taking more care to verify affirmations made by the different parties in this part of Congo”, local sources in Bukavu told Fides. Bukavu is the main town in the eastern region of Democratic Congo Southern Kivu where there is persistent military tension. In effect the regular army continues its advance in the district of Minova, about 120 km north of Bukavu, in pursuit of rebel soldiers led by general Laurent Nkunda. Pro-government militia Mai Mai say they have taken the main rebel base in the area, but the claim has not been confirmed by independent sources. Fides sources say “communication with conflict affected areas is difficult and many roads are blocked ”.
“The border with Burundi is also closed following the massacre of Congolese refugees in Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi (see Fides 3 September 2004)” Fides sources add. The Burundian rebel group FLN (National Liberation Forces) has claimed responsibility for the killings and this has been confirmed by international investigating bodies. “The massacre was a horrible crime which must be punished. But we are concerned that this crime may be exploited by groups of Banyamulenge extremists, who want to stop the peace process in Congo” local sources told Fides. The Banyamulenge are Tutsi of Rwandan origin who settled in north and south Kivu decades ago. Most of the people slaughtered in Gatumba were Banyamulenge. Moreover the military rebels led by general Nkunda and colonel Mutebusi who took Bukavu for a few days at the beginning of June (see Fides 4 and 5 giugno 2004) were also Banyamulenge. Nkunda and Mutebusi were members of the RCD (Congolese Union for Democracy) the main guerrilla group in east Congo which signed a peace agreement and is part of the interim national unity government. “RCD extremist elements are trying to stop the peace process with accusations of presumed genocide against the Banyamulenge. These claims have been denied by the international community, first of all by the United Nations Organisation” Fides sources recall. “The situation is still tense but we are pleasantly surprised by the role of the international community which so far has succeeded in stopping the extremists”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/9/2004 righe 35 parole 427)
