FRIDAY, 5.00PM:
The health of Zairean dictator Mobutu Sese Seko proved to be an immediate impediment to today’s peace talks when Mobutu was too weak to climb the gangplank of the SA Navy ship Outeniqua in Ponte Noire, Congo this afternoon.
A debate followed as to how best to get the ailing president aboard, with suggestions that he be transported by helicopter or boat being dismissed as a danger to his health. Another suggestion that he be hoisted aboard by the Outeniqua’s crane was scotched as being too undignified. Mobutu was eventually driven into the Outeniqua’s hold by car, before being carried to the talks venue on a ship’s elevator.
FRIDAY, 2.00PM:
PRESIDENT Nelson Mandela this morning flew out of Waterkloof Air Force base en route to Pointe Noire in the Congo to meet Zairean Presidnet Mobutu Sese seko and accompany Mobutu to peace talks with rebel leader Laurent kabila abourd the SA Navy supply ship SAS Outeniqua. Mobutu left Kinshasa this morning in his personal aircraft, bound for Pointe Noire. Also due in Pointe Noire to join Mandela and Mobutu is US special envoy Bill Richardson.
Meanwhile, Kabila met Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos this morning in Luanda, after which he was due to fly by helicopter to the Outeniqua accompanied by SA Deputy President Thabo Mbeki.
Mobutu’s son Mobutu Nzanga, speaking after Mobutu’s departure for Pointe Noire, said his father would be met at Pointe Noire by Mandela for talks with Kabila today. “It will take place today. As far as we are concerned, we hope something will come out of it,” he told reporters. “The most important thing is the first contact. After that the teams will work on it,” he added. The meeting had been expected to take place on Saturday.
Kabila has publicly stated that he expects the meeting to be short, with the only topic for discussion Mobutu’s speedy and peaceful removal from power. Mobutu, however, expects to negotiate a future role for himself. Speaking after a meeting yesterday with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Kabila said his rebel troops will continue their advance on Kinshasa regardless of the meeting with Mobutu. In the absence of a negotiated settlement, Kabila promised to take Kinshasa by June.
Before leaving South Africa this morning, Mandela said he was positive that the talks will see some “forward movement” in the peace process. “If I was not positive, I would not be going,” he said. “They are going to make an effort to ensure there is a settlement acceptable to both of them and to the people of Zaire. I am convinced they both want a settlement.”