From Misna, 27 April 1999

CONGO-DEM.REPUBLIC, 27 APR 1999

MASISI: HUNDE AND NYANGA FORCED TO ABANDON PLANE, SINCE ‘ALWAYS’ RWANDAN OBJECTIVE (STANDARD, GENERAL)

The devastating series of massacres continue in the Masisi area (Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo) at the hands of soldiers of the RCD (Congolese Democratic Coalition).

In fact, according to our MISNA sources, the village of Bukombo was looted and burned to the ground on the 8th of April.

Therefore the last link, to the present day, of a chain of massacres (only partially denounced by the MISNA, NDR) and the systematic destruction of dozens of villages of the region. An area known for rich agriculture and rearing, which our sources referred, nearby Rwanda has ‘always’ begrudged, despite regimes and/or politically dominant ethnic groups in Kigali.

A volcanic area, known for its fertile soil, inhabited by two autochthonous ethnicities: the Hunde and the Nyanga. Two groups which, for many months have withstood atrocities similar to those suffered by the well known Kosovars.

Populations that, if lucky enough to survive the not uncommon massacres, are forced to run for their lives. Becoming displaced or, in the best of cases, refugees.

But when, our MISNA sources asked once again, will the international community intervene or send ‘super partes’ observers to the East Democratic Republic of Congo? (BO)