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Anarchy Rules Desperate Congo
In country's east, rebels and army abandon citizens
By Jason Farago
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Posted Nov 19, 08 5:55 AM CST
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(Newser)
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Bewildered residents in eastern Congo talk of the "front line" separating rebel territory from areas controlled by the army. But no such line exists—only a jumble of unstable, chaotic territories with no checkpoints or fortifications, reports the New York Times. While a ceasefire between the two sides seems to be holding, residents of the troubled limbo zone are sinking into desperation.
Eastern Congo, for all purposes, is in a state of anarchy. Neither the rebels nor the Congolese government is in charge. In the hollowed-out cities, children roam the streets because no authority has reopened schools. Many have refused to return home, staying in tent cities that stretch for miles. One trusting refugee said he was waiting for the government to give the order to return home.