"Are we supposed to eat this?"
The good news: the UN Convoy is here!
Quote:
Aid Convoy Reaches Rebel-Held Congo Town
By Derek Kilner
Nairobi
03 November 2008
A humanitarian-aid convoy escorted by U.N. peacekeepers has reached the rebel-held town of Rutshuru in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The town had been cut off from aid since rebels led by General Laurent Nkunda drove out government forces early last week. Derek Kilner has more from VOA's East Africa bureau in Nairobi.
The bad news: the UN convoy brought no food!
Quote:
Hungry Congo refugees angry no food in UN convoy
KIBATI, Congo (AP) - Hungry refugees cheered when the first humanitarian convoy in a week arrived at their camp Monday, but the jubilation turned to anger when U.N. workers dumped only soap and plastic jerry cans instead of food and sped on past rebel lines.
U.N. officials conceded that hunger at the Kibati camp, where tens of thousands sheltered from fighting in eastern Congo, was dire but said the first priority was to resupply medical clinics looted by retreating government troops.
"Are we supposed to eat this?" demanded Boniface Ndayumujinya, an elderly man waving a bundle of spring onions brought by a friend. He said he was with eight family members who had not eaten in five days.
Unfortunately, us westerners
Daily dose of Congo life ..and death.
* In a press interview tuesday, Nkunda declared: "If they refuse to negotiate, it will mean they will be ready to only fight and we will fight them because we have to fight for our freedom,"
* As an answer, PM Muzito DRC stated again yesterday he wanted to discuss with ALL rebell groups and not one in particular.
* Nkunda's website published a declaration calling MONUC to stop Mai-Mai offensives in the Kiwandja area or to see the ceasefire end.
* Kagame is supposed to go to Nairobi tomorrow but in a press conference yesterday said "meeting Kabila is unnecessary", "Its an internal Congolese problem". The Nairobi meeting (sponsored by the UN) will gather Kabila, Kagame, other head of states, regional organization,... but is expected to change little to the situation.
* MONUC asked again for a 3000 men strong reinforcement (02 Inf Bn, Helicopters, SFs, 02 C-130). No nothing showed interest in providing such support.
* EU has almost abandonned the idea of a EU ops in Goma.
My conclusion: Nkunda could restart an offensive shortly. Most probably on an other front than Goma (Minova-SAke or Kanyabayonga). Kinshasa does not give a damn about the Kivutians and wants to save face.
*
Truth and reconciliation committee for Rwanda
There is an element missing from the solution you offer to the current situation in eastern Congo: a truth and reconciliation committee for Rwanda, which Robert Krueger, former US ambassador to Burundi has been advocating.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tom Odom
The only way to disarm them is hunt them down until they either die or they give up their leaders and their arms. The realist in me recognizes that is unlikely although I do wish it would happen, and soon.