Meanwhile in Yoweri Museveni's Uganda, those accused in a U.N. report of
involvement in the looting of DRC natural resources, the likes of Kazini,
Salem Saleh, Kanarugaba are NOT only shielded from prosecution by the NRM
military dictatorship, some are even promoted to high ranking military
position.
Matek
Kabila suspends government figures over UN report
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of
Congo President Joseph Kabila has suspended key government officials accused
in a U.N. report of involvement in the looting of Congo's natural resources,
a government official said Monday.
They include some of the most powerful figures in the Kinshasa government,
such as National Security Minister Mwenze Kongolo, Minister at the Presidency
Katumba Mwanke and the head of the National Security Agency, Didier Kazadi
Nyembwe.
The U.N. report alleged that the officials were involved in multibillion
dollar scams, ranging from "theft, embezzlement and diversion of 'public'
funds, undervaluation of goods, smuggling, false invoicing, non-payment of
taxes, kickbacks to public officials and bribery."
Other protagonists in Congo's four-year war were also named, including
government ministers from Kinshasa's main ally Zimbabwe, and top officers
from the Ugandan and Rwandan armies who back rebels.
Residents say this is the first time the government has acknowledged there
may be some truth to the U.N. report's allegations.
In a statement read out on state television Monday, Kabila's cabinet director
Evariste Boshab said the state prosecutor would open an inquiry into the
allegations made against the officials.
"Anyone with evidence must contact the prosecutor," Boshab said.
All the officials have denied the allegations and the U.N. Security Council
is currently hearing objections to the report's findings.
11/11/02 17:17 ET
