FDLR intensifies attacks on DRC forces

Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group made up of remnants of the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda which saw over a million people killed, has intensified its attacks on the Congolese army (FARDC) in several parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Reports indicate that a combined force of Mai-Mai militia and FDLR attacked FARDC positions in Tshololo, South Kivu and two other localities of Kabare territory and re-captured areas earlier taken by Congolese Forces. According to Lt. Col Jean-Paul Dietrich, MONUC’s military spokesman later on, the nearby market in Kashanja was also attacked. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Kabare is close to the South Kivu provincial capital, Bukavu.Again in South Kivu, other clashes were reported at Lunyansenge, about 80 kilometres south west of Lubero. According to Dietrich, on the morning of July 6, FARDC and the rebels exchanged fire in the area around Lunyasenge and Taliya. “The fire fight reportedly lasted several hours. According to the FARDC, the Mai-Mai had attacked an FARDC position at around 0400hrs that morning.” Locals reportedly spend nights in the bush and return to their homes during the day in fear of the rebels. Dietrich says that FARDC conducted an offensive four kilometres south of Bingi, 68 km south west of Lubero where three rebel fighters were reportedly killed. Dietrich says he has “no details” on the whereabouts of the FDLR Commander, Silvestre Mudacumura. The military offensive against the rebels dubbed Kimia II, is being conducted by the DRC army with MONUC’s support. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that attacks against humanitarian workers have also continued. During the first half of 2009, there were 66 incidents of violence against humanitarian workers, compared to 37 incidents during the corresponding period in 2008. Ends

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FDLR intensifies attacks on DRC forces