The secretary-general of the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma), Azarias Ruberwa, has described the Kivu region of eastern DRC as the “thermometer of peace” in the DRC. He said the Mayi-Mayi militiamen, operating in the region, were also Congolese and “not necessarily” enemies, “even if they have been taught a negative ideology”. Speaking last week during a tour of South Kivu from where he originates, Ruberwa said the Mayi-Mayi were “prodigal children” and would be welcomed back when they returned from the bush. They would be incorporated into the army, the police and into various projects. He appealed to the people of South Kivu to urge the Mayi-Mayi to lay down their weapons and build peace together with the other inhabitants of the province.
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