Eastern Congo is catch-22 situation!

SIR— I am most surprised that fighting has again erupted in eastern Congo around the town of Beni and Butembo. The security situation in that region has been fluid for a long time. Mr Mbusa-Nyamwisi of course has exacerbated the already volatile situation by his unorthodox political methods. The recent coup he staged to remove Wamba dia Wamba, his illegal collaboration with certain UPDF officers goes on to prove this. Eastern Congo has no authority worth talking about, the political institutions and structures which UPDF had put in place are crumbling like the proverbial house of cards! The RCD rebel groups meanwhile are divided over very petty issues, unconcerned concerned about the broader strategic goals of their struggle, but rather about who takes what in the shortest time possible. Under such circumstances, anarchy could easily set in. Already, there are unconfirmed reports that the Mai-Mai have stepped up their attacks on RCD. Rebels and small units of UPDF still left in Congo. Under the Lusaka agreement, each occupying foreign force is responsible for peace and order in its areas of control. However, due to international pressure, Uganda has withdrawn 12 battalions of the 14 from Congo. In other words, Uganda can’t maintain peace and order in areas under rebel control! The consequences of this action are already becoming obvious. I am afraid the Uganda government will soon find itself in a catch-22 scenario if doesn’t take decisive steps to restore peace and order in Bunia, Ben and Butembo! This power vacuum could easily be filled by “negative forces “ now re-organising else where in Congo. Worse still other countries in Congo like Angola and Rwanda are reported to be reinforcing in their areas of control (i.e. Kalemie in Katanga). As usual the UN is looking on helplessly and hopelessly! The UN (MONC) should by now have moved in areas vacated by the UPDF this has not happened. So what should Uganda do to guarantee security in the region? Perhaps the UN Security Council should now come in and tell Uganda how to handle this complex situation! Because in case the UPDF stays in Congo, it will be accused of plundering minerals. If it pulls out, it will endanger the security situation along the Uganda border. I bet this is a catch 22 situation proper! E.F. Kahuma Fort Portal