Uganda brokers Congo unity talks

THE Government is promoting unity talks between two main Congolese rebel groups it supports in a bid to end inter-factional fighting in northeastern Congo, security sources said yesterday, report Emmy Allio and Agencies. Sources said Jean Pierre Bemba, leader of the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC) and Prof. Ernest Wamba dia Wamba, leader of RCD-Liberation Movement, had been asked to come to Kampala this weekend for talks. "The plan to merge these groups has been on for some time, but the factional fighting within RCD-ML had made it hard," the source said. Ugandan soldiers in Congo, thrice defeated coup bids by RCD-ML vice presidents Mbusa Nyamwisi and John Tibasima to topple Wamba. They also crushed at the weekend, Mbusa's attempt to grab Kasindi customs post. Wamba told IRIN that Uganda had suggested a merger between the RCD-ML and MLC. He said Congo is now a balkanized country. "It is seen as one way of moving forward. The key issue is how to get to the national dialogue," he said. Ends.