IRIN Update 368 for 5 Mar 98.3.5

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA - AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER

U N I T E D N A T I O N S Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Integrated Regional Information Network for Central and Eastern Africa

Tel: +254 2 622147 Fax: +254 2 622129 e-mail: irin@dha.unon.org

IRIN Update No. 368 for Central and Eastern Africa (Thursday 5 March 1998)

SUDAN: Seven killed in government attack on Yei

Seven people were killed and 46 injured when a Sudanese government aircraft bombed the southern town of Yei, aid workers and diplomats told IRIN today (Thursday). The Antonov plane made four runs over Yei in western Equatoria, dropping 13 bombs late this morning. Direct hits destroyed Yei hospital's operating theatre and blasted its bomb shelter. According to humanitarian sources, Yei was last bombed on 15 February when a nurse was among five people killed by shrapnel. Another hospital at Lubone, eastern Equatoria was bombed last Saturday.

A spokesman for Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) told IRIN today he had "no doubt" the hospital was deliberately targeted, and said the attack implied that the Sudanese air force had improved its accuracy. NPA works in the hospital and had just completed a rehabilitation of the operating theatre. Both ECHO and USAID fund the programme. A western diplomat told IRIN that the attack's only motivation was "terror", as the hospital had no military value. The sources describe Yei as the "capital in waiting" for the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM).

BURUNDI: Soldiers sent to reinforce security near Bugarama

A battalion of 400 soldiers has been sent to reinforce security in Mubimbi commune, near Bugarama, the Agence burundaise de presse reported. It said at least 1,000 rebels had been "sowing terror" in the area for the past two weeks. The local population had reportedly split into two groups, one backing the rebels, the other cooperating with the military. The rebels had now withdrawn to the Muzazi Valley, but water supplies in the area were disrupted, ABP said, adding that the insurgents were trying to turn Bujumbura-Rural province into their stronghold because of its proximity to the capital.

Gitega peace conference recommends transitional institutions

A document issued in the aftermath of last month's Gitega peace conference has recommended establishing transitional institutions leading to the eventual return of constitutional rule. According to OCHA-Bujumbura, about 100 people from various sections of Burundi society attended the meeting, which took place from 18-21 February. The document also called for a national enquiry into acts of genocide in Burundi since 1962, with the findings to be followed up by an international tribunal. It also urged the lifting of the regional economic embargo. The opposition FRODEBU party has rejected the Gitega document, saying it does not adequately reflect the meeting and "over-represents" the government's view.

French minister calls for lifting sanctions

French Cooperation Minister Charles Josselin today called for an end to the embargo against Burundi, saying much progress had been made "that bodes well for a resumption of cooperation". He made the comments after meeting President Pierre Buyoya in Paris. According to AFP, Josselin said France would resume cooperation in the fields of education, health, housing and reintegration. Paris planned to "considerably increase" its scholarships to Burundian students, he added.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: South Kivu still tense

Agence burundaise de presse quoted official sources as describing the situation in South Kivu as tense, which had resulted in people fleeing to Burundi. Some Banyamulenge people were said to be crossing into Cibitoke province and the Bujumbura municipality. Meanwhile, BBC radio's French service yesterday quoted official sources in Bukavu who said talks between the DRC army and Banyamulenge military leaders were proceeding well after reports that Banyamulenge soldiers had deserted. The road between Uvira and Bukavu is now open. However, 400 Banyamulenge soldiers have still not returned to barracks. According to the radio, they went to the Lemera mountains where they had regrouped and were now gathered, with their equipment, not far from Kamanyola on the border with Burundi and Rwanda. Many observers were pessimistic about the chances of finding a peaceful solution, the radio said.

RWANDA: Army battling rebels in Gitarama

One person was killed and seven others wounded when rebels ambushed a minibus near Mushubati, Gitarama prefecture, AFP reported. The rebels opened fire on the bus as it drew to a stop between Mulinga and Mushubati. The army meanwhile said over 100 rebels had been killed in fighting in Gitarama which broke out over the weekend and was still continuing. According to a BBC report, a military spokesman said the rebels had now been cornered. He added eight army soldiers had also lost their lives.

Five-year jail term sought for teenage genocide suspect

The public prosecutor in Kibuye, western Rwanda, has recommended a five-year jail term for a teenager accused of taking part in the 1994 genocide. The verdict will be delivered on 11 March. AFP, quoting a local source, said Aloys Ntirenganye, who was 15 at the time of the genocide, is likely to be released at the end of the trial because he has been in prison since 6 May 1996.

KENYA: Rift Valley curfew lifted

The government yesterday lifted the curfew on areas of Rift Valley province, hit by political and ethnic clashes recently. KBC radio, monitored by the BBC, said Rift Valley provincial commissioner Nicholas Mberia stated law and order had returned to the affected areas in Nakuru, Laikipia and Uasin Gishu districts. He warned however the security forces had been instructed to deal firmly with law-breakers.

Nairobi, 5 March 1998, 14:30 gmt

[ENDS]

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