2004-12-10
This is Steve Ember with In the News in VOA Special English.
The United Nations is
investigating reports that Rwandan soldiers attacked civilians last
month in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The violations
reportedly happened during a Rwandan military campaign against Hutu
rebels in eastern Congo. People say armed men, thought to be
Rwandans, attacked civilians and burned houses.
Rwanda has repeatedly threatened to send troops across the border
to kill Hutu extremists. Many of the Hutus fled to Congo after
taking part in the killings in Rwanda in nineteen ninety-four. About
eight hundred thousand minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus were
killed.
The United Nations has condemned reports of Rwandan military
operations in eastern Congo. On Tuesday, the Security Council called
on Rwanda to immediately withdraw any troops it may have there. The
council warned that it would consider actions against individuals
who try to harm the peace process in Congo.
Many Congolese blame the current situation on the U.N.
peacekeeping operation in Congo, known as MONUC. Critics say many of
the soldiers are poorly trained and lack the will, and the
equipment, to do the job. There have even been reports of sex crimes
against children by members of the peacekeeping force.
On Wednesday, Rwanda said it had deployed troops along the border
last month. But it denied sending them into Congo. Rwanda has
criticized Congo and the United Nations for failing to disarm the
Hutu fighters.
The Congolese government has sent more troops to eastern Congo.
Rwanda invaded Congo in nineteen ninety-six and nineteen
ninety-eight. The second attack led to a five-year civil war in
Congo. Several other countries in the area also got involved.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo was called Zaire until
nineteen ninety-seven.
In two thousand two a peace agreement was signed. Rwandan troops
left Congo. But since then, not much has been done to disarm the
Hutu rebels, as called for by the peace agreement.
The International Rescue Committee says the natural mineral
wealth of Congo continues to be stolen. Basic health needs, water
and schooling remain limited. Also, many families have been
terrorized by armed groups.
The International Rescue Committee said this week that close to
four million people in Congo have died since nineteen ninety-eight
as a result of the crisis. Most have died from hunger and disease.
The committee says more U.N. troops are needed to disarm and
arrest Rwandan Hutu fighters. It also says Congo is not receiving
enough international aid.
Congo is currently ruled by a temporary coalition government.
Some signs of economic recovery have been reported since the war
officially ended. President Joseph Kabila says general elections
will take place next year.
In the News, in VOA Special English, was written by Cynthia Kirk.