No Respite for Congo

Since reports state he commands 4,000-10,000 soldiers, and only 2,000 to 3,000 have reported for mixing, where are the rest of them?


Though the U.N. would like everyone to believe the situation in North Kivu Province is going very well (http://www.monuc.org/News/aspx?newsID=13861), the reality is very different. Nearly 3 months after General Nkundabatware launched his attacks on 25 November, thousands of Congolese families have yet to return home. Kimoka and Virunga National Park remain occupied by recalcitrant elements of his army and demobilized RDF (Rwandan Defense Force) soldiers. The ex-ANC soldiers integrated into the FARDC have fought with FOCA in the area as well.

During demobilization registration by the SMI, ~20% of his forces were children. Reports suggest some children are recruited with a payment of $200.00 (U.S.) The children are then given 2 weeks of military training in Virunga National Park. The latest tally by NGOs in the area state 3,500 children have been demobilized in North Kivu.

("The Network of Laurent Nkunda Resumed the Recruitment of Youngsters from Goma to Insert them in its Military Force," DigitalCongo 3.0. English Translation. 14 February, 2007.
http://www.digitalcongo.net/article/41134)

ICTR "Not Competent" to Judge Presidental Assassinations

The chief prosecutor of the ICTR, Hassan Bubacar Jallow will decide by Mid-2007 if members of the FPR will be brought to trial for war crimes, but Mr. Jallow states he is "not competent" to investigate the assassination of former Presidents Juvenal Habyarimana and Cyprien Ntaryamira. President Kagame has repeatedly denied any involvement in the incident and recently supported initiatives to begin another investigation.

("ICTR/PROSECUTION - RPF ALLEGED CRIMES : PROSECUTOR TO DECIDE MID 2007," Hirondelle News Agency. 8 February, 2007.)