A COMBAT TROOPS FOR DR CONGO?

SOUTH Africa may send a battalion of combat troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo to protect UN military observers in the volatile city of Kisangani. The Star reports that President Thabo Mbeki may decide as early as Monday on whether or not to send the troops. South Africa’s ambassador to the UN Dumisani Kumalo said Mbeki first needs to return from his US visit before a decision can be made. The matter was apparently raised by US President Bill Clinton. Kisangani has been the scene of fierce fighting between Rwanda and Uganda as well as rebel groups. Last week the rebels agreed with the two countries to pull their forces out of the city and allow the UN to demilitarise the area.