Security situation in the Kivus -September 16, 2008

Kinshasa - September 16, 2008 (18h30) - Today, September 16, new clashes occured opposing the rebels of the Congrès National pour la Défense du Peuple (CNDP) and the FARDC in Kirotshe, a locality some 10km south of Sake, some 20 kms from Goma, capital of North Kivu province. Kirotshe had already been the theatre of big clashes last week.

During these confrontations, the regular army made use of heavy weapons, in particular rocket launchers. After MONUC's intervention with the military authorities, because of the threat to the populations close to the combat zone, the FARDC took the initiative of the suspending hostilities at 5.30pm local time.

Yesterday, on Monday September 15, clashes between the above mentioned forces were reported in the same zone, on the border with South Kivu, in Ngungu, a locality some 25 km southwest of Sake, not far from the small town of Minova.

In the course of the day, despite the redoubled efforts of mediation and pressure from MONUC to put an end to the hostilities, the clashes extended in several places from the surrounding areas.

The confrontations ceased only at the end of the day. This Tuesday, the situation has become calm again in this zone.