RCD warns against incitement, tribal hatred

The rebel Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD) has warned the public within its area of jurisdiction in eastern DRC that "incitement to tribal or ethnic hatred" and "news mongering likely to brainwash the public" are offences liable to punishment under the country's penal code. The warning follows strikes and arrests in Bukavu where tracts targetting
"invaders" and "foreigners" have been appearing with increasing
regularity.

"Unfortunately, the RCD has noticed with regret and concern that these plagues were taking a dangerous turn in territories which had been liberated in a particular way in Sud Kivu and Nord Kivu provinces," the rebel-controlled radio in Goma said on Wednesday. It said RCD's policy was to ensure "harmonious national development in a climate of sound mutual understanding between all tribes and ethnic groups". One such
tract, circulating in the Bagira area last week, called on the local inhabitants to attend a meeting last Sunday of which the main theme would be: "How to chase away the Tutsis?".