The Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed reports of looting in Kanyabayonga by the Congolese Army the FARDC. General Babacar Gaye was speaking after he visited the area with the FARDC regional commander Vainqueur Mayala.
Kanyabayonga is about a 175 kilometres north of Goma. Speaking on Radio Okapi, General Gaye said, "It's a tense situation. Tensions caused , on one side by the advance of CNDP toward Kanyabayonga and on the other side by the fact that FARDC are"reorganizing" themselves, and I can say with the greatest respect that it is a euphemism.
And finally tensions are due to the fact that the population has regretably suffered from looting carried out from people who are supposed to be providing security and protecting them".
General Gaye said he was unable to confirm reports himself that there was skirmishing between the Congolese Army and Mayi Mayi elements at Kirumba because he had not been there, but that it was probably true. The Force Commander said while CNDP forces were in the area of Kanyabayonga, they were not in the town itself.