here is nothing good lurking on the horizon in relations between the rebels of the RCD-Goma (Congolese Rally for Democracy) and the Mayi
Mayi, Congolese nationalist partisans active in certain areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo. For the moment it is only a matter of mutual heavy accusations. After the departure of the Rwandan troops, the ‘void of
power’ could provoke ulterior clashes between the Kigali-backed rebellion and the ‘patriotic’ armed movement, close to Kinshasa.
A sad thought for the afflicted civil population, for years victim of the armed confrontation between rebels, rival factions, patriots and foreign occupants.
Yesterday over the Catholic radio of Kinshasa, Mayi-Mayi head Anselme Enerunga from the capital made some polemic statements. In the Kivu area (extreme east of DR-Congo) a real massacre is apparently being projected by the APR (Rwandan Patriotic Army) and RCD-Goma, through expressly trained local militias. According to Enerunga, the local “Mundundu 40” gang, is in possession of a small arsenal to launch attacks against the population. A strategy - always according to the Mayi-Mayi leader – that would offer the Rwandans of the APR the possibility to return in Congo. Two locations in particular would be the objective of this strategy: Walungu and a zone near Bukavu (Kivu).
For this reason, the leader of the Mayi-Mayi is proclaiming the intervention of his men in defense of the civil population. But the leader has been in Kinshasa for some time and does not appear intentioned to follow his troops on the field. After the recent military successes, the patriotic Mayi-Mayi are preparing to resume control of the strategic centers, determinant in the complex geographical optic of local power of ‘risk zones’ of DR-Congo such as Kivu. Enerunga in fact claims that his men are in the process of regaining control of Uvira, Bukavu and Goma.
A sad thought for the afflicted civil population, for years victim of the armed confrontation between rebels, rival factions, patriots and foreign occupants, such as the Rwandans. To avoid further bloodshed, the head of the Mayi-Mayi called on the ‘lost children’ of the RCD-Goma to disarm. In immediate response, RCD-Goma secretary general Azarias Ruberwa, speaking over the UN Dr-Congo mission Radio Okapi, admitted that his movement has some problems in Kivu with numerous armed groups.
“The territory controlled by the RCD-Goma is too large – admitted Ruberwa – and maintaining total control undoubtedly presents material and logistic problems”. Azarias warned that his militias are ready to respond to any attack. It is also important to note that in the past days hundreds of deserters of the RCD-Goma are returning ready for battle. According to Radio Okapi, already 300 men have rearmed.
(From MISNA)