Continuing tension between armies in Kisangani

Humanitarian sources told IRIN that tension between Ugandan and Rwandan armies in the northeastern city of Kisangani still exists after a week of heavy fighting that led to the death of hundreds of people and destruction of property. “The UPDF commanders have expressed concern about the heavy presence of the RPA in town and are demanding that they withdraw to positions agreed upon in the demilitarisation plan,” a source said. “They have made it clear that if the RPA uses humanitarian planes for military purpose they will be shot down.” Ugandan army spokesman Major Phineas Katirima told IRIN that the Ugandan army has decided to unilaterally withdraw from all positions near town, beginning on Friday. “We have decided to withdraw our forces to Banalia 100 km away from Kisangani. Within a week our withdrawal will be complete,” he noted. “It is up to MONUC to ensure that everybody respects the demilitarisation plan.”