/ 23 October 2000

LUSAKA ACCORD IN TATTERS AFTER DRC CLASHES

FIERCE fighting is raging between the Congolese army, supported by their allies, and Rwandan troops backed by rebel forces in Katanga province in southeastern Congo, military sources in Kigali said at the weekend. Rebel sources said between 6 000 and 8 000 Congolese government troops and their allies were involved in the offensive, backed by Rwandan and Burundi Hutu rebels. Rwandan military officials say DRC President Laurent Kabila’s loyalist troops are using armoured vehicles, tanks, and long-range missiles in the attacks. – Reuters