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Ceasefire Calms Congo

10 dead as fleeing refugees run into brutal government soldiers

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2008 6:54 AM CDT

(Newser) – Fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo has eased after rebels declared a cease-fire, reports the Los Angeles Times. As paramilitary forces moved through the countryside, refugees flooded into the eastern city of Goma—only to face assault, rape and murder at the hands of the Congolese army. UN officials said that 10 people were shot to death and seven were wounded.

Refugees are now returning to their camps on the outskirts of Goma, and forces led by rebel leader Laurent Nkunda have remained outside the city. Nkunda, who says he is fighting to protect the minority Tutsi population, has demanded direct negotiations with the Congolese government. A representative from the US State Department has met with the government and will travel to Goma today.

Congolese soldiers flee on motorbikes as thousands of displaced people stream into Goma in eastern Congo, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.
Congolese soldiers flee on motorbikes as thousands of displaced people stream into Goma in eastern Congo, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
Congolese soldiers and thousands of displaced people stream into Goma in eastern Congo, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.
Congolese soldiers and thousands of displaced people stream into Goma in eastern Congo, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
A Congolese soldier carrying a rocket propelled grenade launcher rides pillion on the back of a motorbike in Goma in eastern Congo, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.
A Congolese soldier carrying a rocket propelled grenade launcher rides pillion on the back of a motorbike in Goma in eastern Congo, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
A Congolese boy walks past a United Nations armoured vehicle outside their headquarters in Goma in eastern Congo, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.
A Congolese boy walks past a United Nations armoured vehicle outside their headquarters in Goma in eastern Congo, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
People walk past a United Nations armoured vehicle, not seen, in Goma in eastern Congo, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.
People walk past a United Nations armoured vehicle, not seen, in Goma in eastern Congo, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
People walk past a United Nations armoured vehicle, not seen, in Goma in eastern Congo, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.
People walk past a United Nations armoured vehicle, not seen, in Goma in eastern Congo, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Mr.C
Oct 30, 2008 11:14 PM CDT
wow, the us is doing something? maybe just good PR

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