DR CONGO: More UN peacekeepers sent to Congo as fighting intensifies

The European Union rushed more peacekeepers to Congo on Tuesday (August 22) as the U.N. and foreign leaders struggled to end fighting between soldiers loyal to President Joseph Kabila and supporters of his election rival. Gunbattles shook the riverside capital Kinshasa for a third day following Sunday's (August 20) announcement that July 30 polls had proved inconclusive and a run-off vote would be held in October between Kabila and a vice president, Jean-Pierre Bemba. Last month's historic elections in Democratic Republic of Congo were the first free polls in more than four decades in the vast, war-scarred former Belgian colony. But although voting had taken place generally peacefully protected by U.N. peacekeepers, the first round results announced on Sunday sparked clashes between Kabila's and Bemba's forces. They blamed each other for attacks. Gunbattles broke out again on Tuesday before dawn. The streets of Kinshasa remained deserted as gunfire was heard in the city. United Nations (MONUC) tanks were also seen on patrol. A Reuters correspondent heard small arms fire and the occasional thump of heavier weaponry and saw two Congolese army tanks moving in the direction of the latest fighting. A column of black smoke rose from one spot near the city centre. Commanders of a 1,000-strong EU rapid reaction force deployed in Congo to back U.N. peacekeepers said reinforcements were flown in from nearby Gabon, where they were on standby. Three European helicopters and 60 French, Portuguese and Swedish Special Forces soldiers were reported to have been sent. A German-Dutch battalion of about 450-500 men were expected later on Tuesday. The U.N. already has its biggest peacekeeping force -- more than 17,000-strong -- deployed in Congo. Diplomats said it appeared some of Kabila's presidential Republican Guard were operating out of control and engaging supporters of Bemba, a former rebel chief, in and around the diplomatic quarter of Gombe.

ITN Source | August 22, 2006

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