Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bukavu (Agenzia Fides)- Postponed until June 25, the trial of the suspected murderers of journalist Serge Maheshe who ran Radio Okapi radio station in Bukavu in the east of Democratic Congo sponsored by the United Nations, killed on 13 June. The two men charged with the murder are members of the army and the trial will be held in a military court not a civil one.
On Saturday 16 June at least 5,000 people took part in the journalist's funeral at Bukavu cathedral. During the funeral service radio stations all over the region interrupted programmes to broadcast religious music.
Maheshe's murder was the last in a series of concerning episodes in Kivu in a situation of general insecurity according to alarming reports which continue to arrive: fighting between the Congolese Armed Forces and foreign troops (Rwandan Democratic Liberation Forces- RDLF, Rwandan Hutu present in Congo since 1994; massacres and hostage taking, reportedly by RDLF militia; killing of civilians by armed men in military uniform; banditry and armed robberies which often lead to killing of civilians. The most serious episode was an attack on two villages in Kaniola, in the Walungu area during the night of 26 May when at least 29 civilians were killed and 23 wounded. Many of the victims were women and children (see Fides 28 and 31 May 2007). Civil society says the attack was launched by RDLF rebels. Kaniola village is 50 km from Bukavu, the provincial capital, for years the target of attacks, sacking, and kidnapping perpetrated by Rwandan Hutu rebels and a gang of local and foreign militia called Rasta,.
In this situation the people are forced to seek safety elsewhere. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees said that in north Kivu civilians are subject to threats, attacks, house burning, killings and rape. In the past three months due to insecurity about 123,000 Congolese have fled homes and villages. Some live in makeshift shelters in camps for displaced persons, others are staying with local families. This movement of people followed the deployment in February of more army troops and military operations in April against the RDLF.
Instability in eastern Congo is seen by many as a prelude to a new outbreak of war. Local tensions are exploited by foreign economic and financial interests aiming for the area's natural resources. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/6/2007 righe 40 parole 507)
