CONGO-DEM.REPUBLIC 4/6/2004 11:59 HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN BUKAVU CRITICAL, NEW PROTESTS IN KINSHASA General, Standard The humanitarian situation in Bukavu, the city in eastern Democractic Republic of Congo which fell into the hands of dissident soldiers on Wednesday, æs extremely serious: there is no food left, everything has been looted and the children, elderly and sick risk perishing of hunger? local church sources have told MISNA, calling for aid to tackle the situation. In any case, MISNA sources report that fewer dissident soldiers are in circulation today, and that some of the 1,000 or so troops commanded by General Laurent Nkunda are billeted in a school in the Sans district on the outskirts of Bukavu to the south. However, the looting continues, especially in the Kadutu district, also in the south, and in the administrative offices in the city centre. The dissidents are also reportedly continuing to abuse the civilian population; there are reports of acts of violence even against very young children. For now, six children are allegedly missing. The renegade soldiers also entered the houses of the community æother of Peace??which looks after children in need ?but, surprisingly, they left the place untouched. Meanwhile, tension is rising in the capital Kinshasa, where shots have been audible in various zones since this morning, while the streets are empty of cars and people are moving about exclusively on foot. MISNA sources report that a new protest involving thousands of people is underway; the demonstrators are moving on the city centre and the various headquarters of MONUC (UN Mission in DR-Congo). In particular, a large crowd of young people is gathered outside the MONUC structure in 14th Rue Limete, which yesterday saw violent clashes between the ælue helmets?and demonstrators in which at least two people were killed. MISNA sources also report that, as of a few minutes ago, the demonstrations have taken a violent turn: 100 young people are attacking a petrol station with stones and sticks. Yesterday evening the Congolese President Joseph Kabila made a second appeal to the nation, inviting the population æo be vigilant and calm?and to æut their trust in the institutions of the republic, the armed forces and the police? Kabila condemned the æissidents who are exploited by and have military backing from Rwanda?and reiterated that æhis act by Rwanda aims to prevent the effective reunification of the country and the restoration of state authority over the whole of the national territory? He then urged æhe renegade soldiers to lay down their arms and the Rwandan troops to withdraw from Democratic Republic of Congo?[LC]
