Rebel army to move to Kalemie

The rebel Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD) is poised to move its army headquarters from Goma to Kalemie in Katanga province. The RCD head of security and intelligence, Bizima Karaha, told IRIN on Monday the move had no “big significance” and it made no difference where the group’s military headquarters were situated. “Kalemie is closer to where there are many of our soldiers,” he said. On Saturday, the chief of staff of the RCD’s Armee nationale congolaise (ANC), Commander Ilondo Igo, said the move was prompted by the “quiet and serene atmosphere” in Kalemie, rebel-controlled Goma radio reported. He added that Kalemie had the advantage of being away from “political interference” and “other political manoeuvres that are prejudicial to the clear minded and efficient performance of men in uniform.”