OWN CORRESPONDENT, Goma | Friday 1.00PM.
DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo President Laurent Kabila has fled Kinshasa for his home town and former rebel base, Lubumbashi, a senior government official revealed on Friday.
The official would not say whether Kabilia plans to return.
Rebel forces are pushing towards Kinshasa, where power was lost on Friday morning.
The United States is readying itself for the emergency evacuation of its citizens and foreign airlines have ceased service to Kinshasa.
The primary exit route across the Congo River to Brazzaville, capital of the neighbouring Republic of Congo, was closed several days ago. Port facilities are shut.
Along with renegades from Kabila’s military, the rebels have quickly captured key towns, led by Tutsi and Rwandan fighters. They are now claiming to have troops as close to the capital as Kasangulu.
Western diplomats have confirmed that Inga, 200km from the capital has been captured. The town holds the primary power transformer for Kinshasa, which explains the power cut to the capital.
The power cut has ended water supplies to most homes, because the water system depends on electricity.
Rebels leaders are saying they expect to capture Kinshasa by the end of the month at the latest.