Concerns Over Rebel Wars in the Congo

from Guajardo: Rebels fighting troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo are posing a serious threat to the people and country. Rwanda and Congo's civil wars stem from ethnic hatred between the Tutsis and Hutus which dates back to the mid 90s. Fighting between Nkunda rebels and the Congolese army continues and is further complicated by outside forces which fight government groups and each other. In all the fighting innocent civilians get trapped and suffer.

Some analysts say Rwanda is Nkunda's principal supporter. Rwanda denies that, and for several years has been asking for the disarming of Rwandan Hutu rebels, many of whom are in eastern Congo.

More than a million people have been displaced from all the fighting while some resort to U.N. protected camps or neighboring countries. 100 civilians have been killed within the last two months. Casualties in South Africa, Tanzania and Berundi continue to occur. Kiwanja was taken over by rebel groups which included government backed militia. The rebels ordered the people to leave their towns then sought out their enemies, mostly men. At lest twenty civilians were killed and thirty-three wounded, even the U.N. could not do much to protect civilians.

A summit was held with Rwandan and Ugandan Presidents to express concerns over this troubling crisis. One year ago, Congolese and Rwandan governments agreed to find political, non-violent solutions to the civil wars and rebels. Agreements were made to end support, financing and arms to rebel groups. Unfortunately, there is evidence that those agreements have not been met and these countries have not followed through.