CONGO: KALEMIE: REBELS TAKE JOURNALISTS ON TOUR OF TOWN

(18 Sep 1998) French/Nat

Rebel officials and commanders led journalists on a tour of the eastern town of Kalemie in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday.

The government reportedly claims it has been in control of the town since 7 September when it bombed Kalemie, killing 25 people and injuring 40.

However, rebel troops contradict this claim.

It was a show of rebel strength put on for journalists in a town under rebel control, despite government claims to the contrary.

Rebels say President Kabila's troops fled their advance last month in such a rush they abandoned a stock of mortar shells.

This town has fallen victim to the civil war because of its strategic location right on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"Kabila's forces haven't been here, they're not in control of the town, we're in control of the town. The last attack was on September the sixth and our next military objective is to take Lubumbashi."
SUPER CAPTION: Jean-Claude Moluka, Rebel Commander for Kalemie

The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has taken its toll on residents, particularly those in Kalemie who've watched their homes being destroyed.

However, many fled the town weeks ago when the fighting first began, but those who remain say they don't understand why the government has bombed their homes.

They blame Kabila for the death and destruction.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"It's difficult as I understand it, again it's difficult, I don't know how to rebuild the house. I'm really unhappy after all that's happened."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop, Kalemie Resident

Meanwhile President Laurent Kabila continues fighting rebel troops in the east of the country.

However his African neighbours have not given up on a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

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