KIDNAPPINGS STILL GO AHEAD IN SOUTH-KIVU /DRC

Despite a good willing statement of the FDLR in Rome on 31^st March, 2005 to give up armed struggling, Rwandese armed groups still go ahead with kidnappings and exactions against population in south-kivu province.

            As they are called: Rasta, Interahamwe, or FDLR; never cease with kidnappings, looting in almost the whole province.  In Kabare and Walungu territories the following villages Kaniola, Bolole, Burhale, Budodo,  Mulamba, Nyamarhege, Katudu, Izege, Musengesi, Cimbulungu, Kalongo, Chagala, Mbumba, Kazimu, …are regularly visited by attackers.

            Recently on 18^th and 23^rd April, 2005 ten persons are said to be kidnapped at Cishebeyi/Cibingu and Bolole II villages including looting 11 cows.

            To set free detainees, each is obliged to pay 100 U$ within one or two weeks.  Beyond the due time, the victims are simply slaughtered.  The attackers’ success is due to some young people from the same areas having the role of guiding them during attack.  As for Congolese soldiers, they do not face them since they are badly paid (500 F.C) around 10 U$ a month.  There is also lack of decision by the International Committee to use tangible means to get back those fighters in their own country Rwanda.

            Note that, since November 2004, the Congolese army has multiplied the number of soldiers in Walungu helped by MONUC so as to face with attackers.  Since then, it is recently that MONUC has organized an operation called <<Night flash>>i.e. a patrol operation at night.

            Nevertheless, Héritiers de la Justice renews with emphasis its recommendations as stated in No 207 and 208 of December 9^th,2004 and January 26^th,2005 pleading for disarming and repatriating Rwandese fighters in East of the Democratic Republic of Congo for lasting peace.  Therefore, the << Gouvernement Congolais  de Transition, Conseil Supérieur de la Défense de la République, Conseil de Sécurité des Nations Unies >> ought to have been aware of the matter and taken steps against strange forces acting in this area.