Congo army raids LRA hideout
Oct 10, 2006
THE Congolese Army (FADRC) has attacked an LRA camp in Ituri, killing four rebels. Sources said the Congo army battalion commanded by Major Esongola in Aruu zone, attacked the camp in Katanga last week, forcing the rebels to flee northwards to Wacha zone. <br>
By Emmy Allio in Arua
THE Congolese Army (FADRC) has attacked an LRA camp in Ituri, killing four rebels. Sources said the Congo army battalion commanded by Major Esongola in Aruu zone, attacked the camp in Katanga last week, forcing the rebels to flee northwards to Wacha zone.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has indicated that the LRA had agreed with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and People’s Redemption Army (PRA) to form a new umbrella body. It was also reported that the LRA were dressed in the FADRC uniforms.
But a highly placed officer in the Congolese army disputed reports that the LRA were dressed in FADRC uniforms.
“These guys were putting on very old ragged, faded uniforms of various types, have long dreadlocks, were moving with children and were armed. We fought them and they ran northwardsâ€
Sources said the FADRC had occupied Rusu and Katanga area where the LRA had moved. The source said the LRA had entered Ituri forests which stretches into the larger Equatorial forests, up to Kisangani.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Aronda nyakairima, said the army had been deployed along the border.
Meanwhile, the resident district commissioners of Arua and Nebbi, Omwony Ogaba and Betty Adima respectively, met their Congolese counterparts in Aru and Mahagi.
Adima said the Congolese army and MONUC were in a fix on how to handle the LRA.
Arua LC5 chairman Richard Andama Ferua, said the district was very peaceful.
“The people in the district want peace and no one will disrupt the peace. We are preparing for independence day celebrations,†he said. The Vurra customs, Police and Uganda Revenue Authority officials were seen working normally.
On the way to Lia and Odramachaku border posts, life looked normal with pick-up trucks going to and from the Congo.
THE Congolese Army (FADRC) has attacked an LRA camp in Ituri, killing four rebels. Sources said the Congo army battalion commanded by Major Esongola in Aruu zone, attacked the camp in Katanga last week, forcing the rebels to flee northwards to Wacha zone.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has indicated that the LRA had agreed with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and People’s Redemption Army (PRA) to form a new umbrella body. It was also reported that the LRA were dressed in the FADRC uniforms.
But a highly placed officer in the Congolese army disputed reports that the LRA were dressed in FADRC uniforms.
“These guys were putting on very old ragged, faded uniforms of various types, have long dreadlocks, were moving with children and were armed. We fought them and they ran northwardsâ€
Sources said the FADRC had occupied Rusu and Katanga area where the LRA had moved. The source said the LRA had entered Ituri forests which stretches into the larger Equatorial forests, up to Kisangani.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Aronda nyakairima, said the army had been deployed along the border.
Meanwhile, the resident district commissioners of Arua and Nebbi, Omwony Ogaba and Betty Adima respectively, met their Congolese counterparts in Aru and Mahagi.
Adima said the Congolese army and MONUC were in a fix on how to handle the LRA.
Arua LC5 chairman Richard Andama Ferua, said the district was very peaceful.
“The people in the district want peace and no one will disrupt the peace. We are preparing for independence day celebrations,†he said. The Vurra customs, Police and Uganda Revenue Authority officials were seen working normally.
On the way to Lia and Odramachaku border posts, life looked normal with pick-up trucks going to and from the Congo.