Jump to navigation

Vol 37 No 25

Published 13th December 1996


Congo-Kinshasa

Mining for trouble

As Zaïre's rebels capture mineral-rich lands, mining companies may have to pay up

The rebels keep advancing. One of their techniques is to announce the capture of a town before they attack it, causing panic and disorder among their enemies, as well as the residents. On 4 December, the Alliance des Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Congo-Zaïre (AFDL, AC Vol 37 No 23) said it had taken Kindu, on the west bank of the Zaïre River, upstream of Kisangani. Government soldiers had already looted the town and its better-off inhabitants (including the Lebanese traders) had moved out. The Kinshasa authorities and the International Committee of the Red Cross both said Kindu was still in government hands; it remained so as Africa Confidential went to press.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 1360 words.

End of preview

Subscribers: Log in now to read the complete article.

Account Holders: Log in now and use your Account Credit to buy this article. No Credit? Top up your Account now.


If you are logged in, but still cannot access the full text of this article, email customer services or telephone us on +44(0)1638 743633.