Mayi-Mayi/RCD-Goma reconciliation meeting planned

The Mayi-Mayi Congolese militias and the Rwandan-backed Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD-Goma) say a meeting aimed at ending hostilities between the groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is in preparation, the BBC reported from Kivu on Tuesday, quoting sources from these groups. It added that an agreement could be signed in Bujumbura ahead of the inter-Congolese dialogue due to begin on 15 October in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The BBC reported RCD officials as saying they are ready to meet the Mayi-Mayi if the group dissociated itself from the Rwandan Hutu Interahamwe rebels and the Burundian Hutu Forces pour la defense de la democratie (FDD), who have been causing insecurity in Rwanda and Burundi. Meanwhile, Mayi-Mayi representatives claim they have already cut their links with the Interahamwe and FDD, and have been reporting rebel hideouts to Rwandan and Burundian authorities.

A leader of the Mayi-Mayi groups, Jean-Paul Kabambe, told the BBC they wanted the meeting with the RCD held in Bujumbura because Burundians had shown good will by withdrawing forces from Mayi-Mayi areas such as Kazimiya and the Rusizi plain - though they are reportedly still in Baraka. Another reason for selecting Bujumbura is to allow foreign diplomats accredited in Burundi and representatives from the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC to witness the proceedings. Kabambe said Rwanda was not chosen as a location because it was supporting the RCD. He added that Mayi-Mayi delegates have traveled for the anticipated meeting from Kisangani, Kindu, North Kivu, Butembo, Bunyakiri and Uvira, but that they are awaiting those from Fizi, where fighting between Mayi-Mayi and RCD forces continues.

BBC also reported that in an effort to restore peace, Mayi-Mayi militias released about 40 political detainees, including a Munyamulenge, with the aid of the Reverend Amirado Amisi of the Great Lakes Human Rights Organisation.