Kinshasa, 19 November 2008 : The security situation is calm overall today. The CNDP, in accordance with its declaration of yesterday, started withdrawals on the Kanyabanyonga-Nyanzale and Kabasha-Kiwanja axes.
Nonetheless, Blue Helmets came under fire close to the market of Kibututu, in the locality of Mabenga, approximately 12 km north of Kiwanja in Rutshuru territory. A MONUC armoured tank patrol responded to the Mai Mai armed groups by returning fire, before disengaging with some bullet damage but no casualties.
Today MONUC Force Commander General Babacar Gaye concludes a 48 hour visit around Goma, where he visited Rwindi and Kanyabanyonga. On the spot, he noted that MONUC had done its work and continuous to discharge its mandate.
Within the framework of its support to the FARDC, it evacuated several wounded soldiers from the front, during the latest clashes. FARDC wounded receive appropriate care in MONUC hospital or the state medical facilities in Goma.