Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bukavu (Fides Service)-“Tension rises by the hour, even though there is no fighting at the moment in the city and Congolese troops present in strength seem determined to protect Bukavu from any sort of aggression ” local sources in Bukavu told Fides. Bukavu is the main town in the South Kivu region, in the east of Democratic Congo, again a centre of international tension since Rwandan troops crossed the border into Congo.
“In Bukavu, Tuesday 7 December women staged a street protest against the Rwandan intervention. The demonstration was peaceful although later a student representative found in a side street had obviously been savagely beaten” the sources told Fides.
“Tension is highest in Goma according to unconfirmed reports of clashes between troops, thought to be Rwandan and local students protesting against the Rwandan presence in Congo. It is not known if people were injured or killed” the sources told Fides.
Goma is the stronghold of the RCD (Congolese Group for Democracy) the main rebel group backed by Rwanda.
In the context of tension in violence in South Kivu, the parish of Kabare in Bukavu diocese is reported to have been sacked on the night of 6 December. According to Radio Okapi, promoted by the United Nations, the attackers were Congolese military. “In this situation of confusion, even those in legitimate and legal possession of weapons can give into the temptation to take advantage of the weakest and undefended persons” the sources told Fides.
Democratic Congo seems to confirm itself as the theatre of the most bloody war since 1945. International Rescue Committee, New York based NGO, says that no less than 3.8 million people have been killed in Democratic Congo on the past 6 years by war and the destruction caused by war. In Congo 98% of deaths are due to diseases easily curable, because of lack of adequate care, consequence of a destroyed healthcare system. International Rescue Committee says that in Congo war kills 31,000 people every month. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 9/12/2004 righe 34 parole 404)
