Insecurity on Bunia-Beni road

Humanitarian sources have confirmed the pullout of Ugandan troops from the Beni-Bunia area in eastern DRC, which is controlled by the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie-Mouvement de liberation (RCD-ML) of Ernest Wamba dia Wamba. They said security was now being maintained by RCD-ML troops trained in Nyaleke (Beni) and Rwampara (Bunia), and which included several child soldiers. However, insecurity was rife along the road between Beni and Bunia, due to the presence of armed men in uniform described as a combination of DRC government troops, former Zairean troops (ex-FAZ), Interahamwe militia and Ugandan NALU rebels from the Rwenzori mountains. They are reportedly blocking roads, looting passing vehicles and raping women and girls who they then abduct into the bush. The dangers present on this road have seriously hindered aid deliveries to Beni and Bunia.