The scene in Mwenga and Kamitunga
in South-Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo shows signs
of fierce fighting over last week. An AfroAmerica Network correspondent
visited
the fields surrounding the cities and fires this report.
At least 150 bodies of Burundian and Rwandan soldiers in new uniforms were scattered throughout field lands, some 10 square kilometers in size. Several soldiers from Rwanda were captured. Most of the soldiers captured said they are part of RPA (Rwandan) Special Forces.
"Approximately a battalion of 300 soldiers from Rwanda and Burundi forced their way through the area. We were waiting for them. The battle was gruesome. Most the assailants were killed", a Mai-Mai soldier confided to AfroAmerica Network. The soldier was injured in the battle and was on his way to the General Hospital of Sendwe in Katanga.
Faustine Munene, the FAC Commander, indicated that five troop carriers, including four lorries and one 4WD truck, sixty machine guns, rockets launchers and a large stock of ammunitions were recuperated from the enemy.
In South-Kivu, Rwanda and Burundian soldiers and Congolese rebels are faced with very tough challenges. The Mai-Mai, now regrouped under the banner of Forces d'Auto-Defense Populaires (FAP)" receive arms and logistic support from the Congolese government forces (FAC). They have managed to surround their sworn enemies from Rwanda and Burundi from behind. At the same time, the FAC are advancing Northward and Eastward, from Katanga and Eastern Kasai. This situation prompted a crisis meeting in Kigali, this week, between Museveni, Kagame, and the RCD leaders to find a way out.
AfroAmerica Network also visited Katanga and Kasai Oriental. Contrary to claims by the Rwandan Army and RCD Congolese rebels, there was no sign of recent fighting either in Pweto, Katanga or Lubao, Kasai Oriental.