UN
United Nations Peacekeeping
6 Mar
2009
DRC Press Review
*Original in French
The main focus of today's press is the controversy surrounding the presence of Rwandan troops in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the fate of the ministers recently by President Joseph Kabila.
The main focus of today's press is the controversy surrounding the presence of Rwandan troops in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the fate of the ministers recently by President Joseph Kabila.
L'AVENIR tells of 'the effervescence' observed Monday in Bukavu where, 'the population, mainly women, staged a peaceful demonstration, protesting at the Rwandan aggression against North Kivu.' Citing various sources, the paper says 'the town of Goma is under Rwandan control' Rwandan troops can be recognised by their equipment. They have the habit of circulating nightly. They are recognisable by their brand new fatigues, with lace-up boots and an impressive military arsenal.'
The inhabitants of Bukavu descended into the streets 'to show their solidarity with their fellow countrymen of Goma,' L'AVENIR notes. 'Dressed in red clothing, the demonstrators ended their protest on the border, opposite from the Rwandan town of Cyangungu.'
According to LE POTENTIEL, 'the situation remains worrisome in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu where reports say at least 10 villages have been burned, forcing more than 6,000 distressed Congolese to flee areas where there is violence.' The paper says 'MONUC is more and more convinced that Rwandan troops are operating in Congolese territory, and have been behind the deadly violence observed in recent days.'
LE POTENTIEL says there is evidence that Rwandan troops are present on Congolese soil, particularly in the territories of Rutshuru and Masisi. The paper writes: 'Whatever the terms diplomats or politicians may used, the truth remains that the DRC is in a state of war ' in its eastern part, that is.'
Of a similar view are some Members of Parliament from the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD-Goma), notes LE POTENTIEL, which titles 'Those in the anti-authority wing of the RCD-Goma party rage against the Rwandan invasion.' According to the paper, 'these senior officials - that is, RCD-Goma MPs and Senators present in Kinshasa - issued a strong protest against Rwanda's attitude. In a recent statement, they said the events unfolding in eastern DRC are aimed at several objectives, notably to delay the transition process.' Moreover, 'they categorically rejected Kigali's allegations that Hutu rebels have repeatedly attacked Rwanda from the DRC.' LE POTENTIEL however notes this 'response comes from individuals', not from the RCD-Goma party as a whole.
On the issue of replacing the six suspended ministers, LA TEMPETE DES TROPIQUES foresees a deadlock within the Government. 'The Congolese Government is facing great difficulties replacing the suspended ministers,' notes the paper, adding that 'getting the components to propose replacements remains a problem, while President Kabila already stands ready to make new ministers to replace those suspended.'
'While the RCD-Goma is yet to respond to Joseph Kabila's plan to simply replace the suspended ministers,' the paper writes, 'the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC) and the Rally of Congolese Democrats and Nationalists (RCDN) have reacted by renewing their confidence in their respective ministers - [José Endundu as Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure and Roger Lumbala as Minister of Foreign Trade.]
As for the Political Opposition, 'Vice President Arthur Z'ahidi Ngoma has registered a huge number of candidates,' the paper notes.
The inhabitants of Bukavu descended into the streets 'to show their solidarity with their fellow countrymen of Goma,' L'AVENIR notes. 'Dressed in red clothing, the demonstrators ended their protest on the border, opposite from the Rwandan town of Cyangungu.'
According to LE POTENTIEL, 'the situation remains worrisome in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu where reports say at least 10 villages have been burned, forcing more than 6,000 distressed Congolese to flee areas where there is violence.' The paper says 'MONUC is more and more convinced that Rwandan troops are operating in Congolese territory, and have been behind the deadly violence observed in recent days.'
LE POTENTIEL says there is evidence that Rwandan troops are present on Congolese soil, particularly in the territories of Rutshuru and Masisi. The paper writes: 'Whatever the terms diplomats or politicians may used, the truth remains that the DRC is in a state of war ' in its eastern part, that is.'
Of a similar view are some Members of Parliament from the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD-Goma), notes LE POTENTIEL, which titles 'Those in the anti-authority wing of the RCD-Goma party rage against the Rwandan invasion.' According to the paper, 'these senior officials - that is, RCD-Goma MPs and Senators present in Kinshasa - issued a strong protest against Rwanda's attitude. In a recent statement, they said the events unfolding in eastern DRC are aimed at several objectives, notably to delay the transition process.' Moreover, 'they categorically rejected Kigali's allegations that Hutu rebels have repeatedly attacked Rwanda from the DRC.' LE POTENTIEL however notes this 'response comes from individuals', not from the RCD-Goma party as a whole.
On the issue of replacing the six suspended ministers, LA TEMPETE DES TROPIQUES foresees a deadlock within the Government. 'The Congolese Government is facing great difficulties replacing the suspended ministers,' notes the paper, adding that 'getting the components to propose replacements remains a problem, while President Kabila already stands ready to make new ministers to replace those suspended.'
'While the RCD-Goma is yet to respond to Joseph Kabila's plan to simply replace the suspended ministers,' the paper writes, 'the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC) and the Rally of Congolese Democrats and Nationalists (RCDN) have reacted by renewing their confidence in their respective ministers - [José Endundu as Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure and Roger Lumbala as Minister of Foreign Trade.]
As for the Political Opposition, 'Vice President Arthur Z'ahidi Ngoma has registered a huge number of candidates,' the paper notes.
