Zaire / Democratic Republic of Congo: Chronology of Events: January - July 1997

 

GLOSSARY

AFDL     Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (Alliance des forces démocratiques pour la libération du Congo-Zaïre)

AZADHO              Zairian Human Rights Association (Association zaïroise de défense des droits de l'homme)

DSP        Special Presidential Division (Division spéciale présidentielle)

FAZ        Zairian Armed Forces (Forces armées zaïroises)

HCR-PT Supreme Council of the Republic—Parliament of Transition (Haut Conseil de la République — Parlement de transition)

SARM    Military Action and Intelligence Service (Service d'action et de renseignements militaires)

SNIP       National Intelligence and Protection Service (Service national d'intelligence et de protection)

UDPS     Union for Democracy and Social Progress (Union pour la démocratie et le progrès social)

UFERI    Union of Federalists and Independent Republicans (Union des fédéralistes et des républicains indépendants)

USOR     Sacred Union of the Radical Opposition (Union sacrée de l'opposition radicale)

Note:      English translations of the names of organizations are provided above for the reader's convenience. Except in the case of the CDH, which has an official English version of its name (but not its acronym), the English names given are not official since English has no official status in the Democratic Republic of Congo and did not have such status in Zaire either.

MAP

See original

Source: National Geographic Society: Washington, DC, 1990.

INTRODUCTION

This chronology is a follow-up to the April 1997 DIRB paper Zaire: The Balance of Power in the Regions, which examined the extent of President Mobutu's authority in the regions, particularly Shaba, Kasai and Kivu. Starting with the events of January 1997, this chronology covers the progress of the rebellion in Zaire[1]1 led by the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (Alliance des forces démocratiques pour la libération du Congo-Zaïre—AFDL),[2]2 the AFDL's seizure of power in May 1997 and subsequent events. Response to Information Request ZAR27047.FEX, published on 3 June 1997, provides additional information on the AFDL's taking of power in May 1997. The influx of Rwandan refugees into Congo-Zaire during the period covered is not dealt with in detail in this paper.

CHRONOLOGY

Early January

In Butembo (North Kivu), fifteen civilians, four Mai-Mai warriors and three rebel soldiers are killed when the Mai-Mai launch an attack against the rebel forces (The New York Times 4 Jan. 1997; see also Keesing's Jan. 1997, 41431; AFP 14 Jan. 1997b). In addition to their attacks against the rebels, the Mai-Mai have reportedly also carried out raids against the civilian population (Africa News 8 Jan. 1997; see also AFP 14 Jan. 1997b). It is said that the rebels have reportedly tried in vain to disarm or co-opt the Mai-Mai (Africa News 8 Jan. 1997; see also AFP 14 Jan. 1997b). On 7 January, the rebel authorities order the arrest of Mai-Mai leaders (Africa News 8 Jan. 1997; Reuters 7 Jan. 1997).

2 January

The Zairian authorities vow to launch a major military counter-offensive against the rebel forces in order to recapture the AFDL-held territory (AFP 3 Feb. 1997; AI 19 Feb. 1997, 1; Info-Zaïre 31 Jan. 1997b, 3). According to AFP, the Zairian Armed Forces (Forces armées zaïroises—FAZ) reportedly attacked the civilian population in Bunia rather than engaging in a real fight with the rebels (2 Feb. 1997).

Laurent Kabila's troops occupy a territory stretching more than 600 km in eastern Zaire along the borders with Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi (AFP 6 Jan. 1997; Reuters 12 Jan. 1997; Le Monde 22 Jan. 1997).

8 January

One person is killed and six others are injured when about 30 unidentified armed men ambush a group of civilians near Goma (AFP 8 Jan. 1997; Le Monde 14 Jan. 1997; AFP 9 Jan. 1997). According to AFP, witnesses assert that the aggressors were former Rwandan soldiers (14 Jan. 1997b).

Commander Ngandu Kisase, Kabila's right-hand man, is reportedly killed in a battle with the Mai-Mai (Info-Zaïre 31 Jan. 1997b, 3; The Times 21 Jan. 1997; Africa Confidential 28 Mar. 1997, 3).

10 January

It is reported that senior FAZ officers are to be tried by a military tribunal on charges of deserting their posts, looting and other misdeeds (AFP 10 Jan. 1997; AI 19 Feb. 1997, 2). On 21 January, according to AFP, 20 senior FAZ officers convicted of theft, looting and other misdeeds are imprisoned (21 Jan. 1997). The same day, a military tribunal in Kisangani sentences to death the 14 Zairian soldiers accused of desertion during the rebel offensive near Amisi on 13 January (Info-Zaïre 31 Jan. 1997a, 2; AFP 22 Jan. 1997; Le Monde 17 Feb. 1997). The sentences are appealed (Reuters 28 Feb. 1997; AFP 26 Feb. 1997). On 15 February 1997, AFP reports that the appeals of the 25 death sentences handed out since January still have not been heard (see also Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1).

11 January

When witnesses report that FAZ soldiers are practicing extortion, Kinshasa imposes a curfew between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. in Kisangani, the capital of Upper Zaire (AFP 11 Jan. 1997; Le Monde 14 Jan. 1997). The same sources indicate a few days later that the curfew was imposed at Christmas (AFP 20 Jan. 1997; Le Monde 22 Jan. 1997).

12 January

According to a source, Kabila asserts that he is ready to negotiate with Kinshasa and that his men will not use force except as a means of defence (Reuters 12 Jan. 1997).

Sources relate that the rebel forces, in order to overcome their shortage of manpower, are recruiting and rapidly training thousands of young men as well as former FAZ members who have reportedly defected (ibid.; Le Monde diplomatique Feb. 1997). In its 21 January report, the Zairian Human Rights Association (Association zaïroise de défense des droits de l'homme—AZADHO) states that the rebels have forcibly recruited about 1,680 children under the age of fifteen (21 Jan. 1997, 2).

North of Goma, Mai-Mai warriors turn against the rebels with whom they have been allied (Reuters 12 Jan. 1997; Info-Zaïre 31 Jan. 1997b, 3; Le Monde diplomatique Feb. 1997). On 4 March, however, AFP quotes a customary chief as saying that almost all the Mai-Mai warriors have joined the rebel forces, with the exception of a few small groups hiding in the forest (4 Mar. 1997a). According to another report, the leader of the Mai-Mai meets with AFDL representatives on 13 January to reaffirm his group's commitment to the rebels' cause (Radio of the People 15 Jan. 1997).

14 January

AFP reports that President Mobutu has carried out a major reform of the intelligence services (14 Jan. 1997a; see also Info-Zaïre 31 Jan. 1997a, 2). He has also reorganized the military justice system and named a new commander, Colonel Madika Bongombo Kasongo wa Ebuta, to the Military Action and Intelligence Service (Service d'action et de renseignements militaires—SARM). The source adds that the president has also appointed Colonel Bushidi Numba as the new court-martial chief (AFP 14 Jan. 1997a; see also Info-Zaïre 31 Jan. 1997a, 2).

Another AFP report states that in Tongo, near Goma, the rebels have burnt down a section of a former camp for refugees from Rwanda. The hundreds of thousands of refugees and Hutu soldiers from the former Rwandan army still living there are forced to flee (14 Jan. 1997b).

Sources report that 100,000 to 120,000 Rwandan refugees have come out of the forests and gone to Tingi-Tingi, located about 150 km from Kisangani (Libération 22 Jan. 1997, 6; Le Monde 14 Jan. 1997).

16 January

The Zairian army recaptures Mahagi, a town near the Ugandan border (Info-Zaïre 31 Jan. 1997b, 3; The New Vision 21 Jan. 1997).

Fearing for their safety, humanitarian workers leave the Amisi refugee camp[3]3 (RFI 16 Jan. 1997; La Libre Belgique 8-9 Feb. 1997; AFP 16 Jan. 1997) and flee to Kinshasa (ibid.).

17 January

Kabila invites the civil and military authorities in Kinshasa to take part in a conference to be held in Goma with a view to setting up a transitional government (AFP 17 Jan. 1997; see also Le Monde 22 Jan. 1997).

Citing the rebel leader, AFP reports that at least 60 people have died in fighting between the rebels and the FAZ in the Lubutu area, west of Goma, and [translation] "along the Kindu-Shabunda-Kingurube (to the west of Bukavu) axis" (17 Jan. 1997).

21 January

Some 280 to 400 mercenaries are reportedly fighting alongside the Zairian army (AI 19 Feb. 1997, 2; Reuters 21 Jan. 1997; Keesing's Jan. 1997, 41431). Reports indicate that the mercenaries come from various African and European countries, including France, Belgium, Serbia, Croatia (AI 19 Feb. 1997, 2; Keesing's Jan. 1997, 41431) and, according to Africa Confidential, Uzbekistan (3 Jan. 1997, 2). On 27 January, Christian Tavernier, a Belgian mercenary, states that he is the commander of a group of 280 mercenaries whose mission is to recapture the rebel-occupied territories (AFP 3 Feb. 1997; La Lettre Afrique Énergies 5 Feb. 1997; Info-Zaïre 31 Jan. 1997a).

In its 21 January report, AZADHO denounces the AFDL for setting up [translation] "special people's tribunals" to replace the existing court system in North and South Kivu, and it expresses its concern over the flagrant violations of due process (AZADHO 21 Jan. 1997, 1). The report also states that the FAZ has been attacking civilians and forcing them to settle in areas where they could serve as a buffer against rebel attacks (ibid., 2).

22 January

Libération reports that, according to a humanitarian worker, Rwandans trying to return to their country are being waylaid by rebels (22 Jan. 1997, 6).

Sources report that the soldiers who had looted civilians in Kisangani before fleeing the advancing rebels have been disarmed, captured or evicted from Kisangani (Le Monde 22 Jan. 1997; AFP 20 Jan. 1997). Although the curfew imposed a few weeks ago in Kisangani is still being enforced, the situation seems to have calmed down (Le Monde 22 Jan. 1997), and, according to Kisangani's governor, the town is not in any danger (AFP 20 Jan. 1997).

23 January

There is heavy fighting near Walikale, in North Kivu (AFP 3 Feb. 1997a; Voix du Zaïre 26 Jan. 1997); the town is captured by the rebels on 24 January (Africa News 25 Jan. 1997; see also CHC-Nairobi 25-28 Jan. 1997, 8).

25 January

According to a report, the Zairian government still rejects any possibility of negotiating with the rebels (CHC-Nairobi 25-28 Jan. 1997, 9). Kinshasa has previously refused to enter into negotiations on several occasions (AFP 3 Feb. 1997; Africa News 8 Jan. 1997; AFP 6 Jan. 1997).

28 January

A leader of the Movement for National Recovery and Ending Unemployment (Mouvement pour le redressement national et la radiation du chômage—MRNRC), Dr. Pinganay, is convicted of espionage by a military tribunal (CHC-Nairobi 29-31 Jan. 1997, 9; AI 19 Feb. 1997, 7-8). He allegedly gave the rebels information concerning FAZ positions (ibid.; AFP 30 Jan. 1997). He is sentenced to death (ibid.; AFP 28 Jan. 1997).

29 January

AFP reports that, according to the governor of Upper Zaire, 140 store owners or employees of Rwandan origin have been held in detention in Kisangani since the early days of the conflict (AFP 29 Jan. 1997). Amnesty International states that some 80 Rwandans and Burundians who were being held in detention in Kisangani (19 Feb. 1997, 6; see also Africa News 19 Mar. 1997; Reuters 20 Feb. 1997) were reportedly transferred afterwards to the Osio prison (located near Kisangani), where the conditions of detention are said to be "appalling" (AI 19 Feb. 1997, 7). The governor of Upper Zaire is reported to have told AFP that the detainees were not accused of anything and were imprisoned for their own safety (AFP 29 Jan. 1997). Some of these detainees had been living in Kisangani for many years (ibid.). Amnesty International adds that 20 to 30 Zairians of Rwandan origin were held in a "dark cell" and accused of possessing arms and supporting the rebels (19 Feb. 1997, 7).

Kabila denies the Zairian government's allegations that Rwanda and Uganda are involved in the conflict, but he admits to having [translation] "very friendly relations" with those countries (AFP 3 Feb. 1997a). Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda also deny the allegations (Reuters 13 Feb. 1997; AFP 31 Jan. 1997b; see also the entry for 9 July).

30 January

The rebels capture Lulimba, a town located to the south of Fizi, in South Kivu (Keesing's Jan. 1997, 41431; CHC-Nairobi 29-31 Jan. 1997, 7).

31 January

The Zairian authorities tell international relief agencies to cease their activities in the Lubutu area, where there are about 160,000 refugees, on the grounds that, among other things, the organizations have not been authorized by Kinshasa to operate in that area (AFP 31 Jan. 1997a; see also CHC-Nairobi 29-31 Jan. 1997, 9).

Breaking through the mercenaries' lines, the rebels capture Watsa, in Upper Zaire (AFP 3 Feb. 1997b; Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1; La Lettre du Continent 20 Mar. 1997).

3 February

The rebels capture Kalémie, a town in the Shaba region located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika (Le Monde 11 Feb. 1997, 2; Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1; La Lettre Afrique Énergies 5 Feb. 1997, 1) and issue an ultimatum to the Zairian government to hold negotiations before 21 February (AFP 3 Feb. 1997b).

After a visit to eastern Zaire, Emma Bonimo, the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, is reported as saying that close to 200,000 Hutu refugees are living in precarious conditions (DPA 3 Feb. 1997; AFP 1 Feb. 1997); according to another source, the figure given by the Commissioner was 500,000 (Keesing's Feb. 1997, 41477). Acccording to Sadako Ogata, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are 480,000 Rwandan refugees and 80,000 Burundian refugees (La Libre Belgique 8-9 Feb. 1997). Bonino and Ogata appeal to the international community to help these refugees (AFP 3 Feb. 1997b).

Defence Minister General Likulia Bolongo Lingbangi calls on youths who are 15 years of age or older to enrol in the army in order to fight against the rebels (Reuters 3 Feb. 1997; Africa News 4 Feb. 1997; Voix du Zaïre 3 Feb. 1997).

6 February

Following a recruitment campaign undertaken by Kabila, hundreds of teenagers enrol in the AFDL forces (Reuters 8 Feb. 1997; Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1; The Ottawa Citizen 13 Feb. 1997). According to various sources, there are 5,300 to 6,700 new recruits in all (AFP 6 Feb. 1997; Reuters 13 Feb. 1997). (See also the entry for 12 January 1997.)

8 February

Reuters reports that the Goma airport has been turned into a military zone by the AFDL troops (8 Feb. 1997).

9 February

Bafwasende, located not far from Kisangani, is reportedly captured by the rebels (Le Monde 11 Feb. 1997, 2; Reuters 10 Feb. 1997a); the Zairian army reportedly attacks the town a few days later in a vain attempt to recapture it (Chicago Tribune 14 Feb. 1997).

After capturing Shabunda (CHC-Nairobi 11 Feb. 1997, 1), the rebels advance towards Kisangani[4]4 (Keesing's Feb. 1997, 41477; The Washington Post 9 Feb. 1997, A28). Sources report that several relief workers, fearing an imminent outbreak of fighting, leave Kisangani (The Washington Post 9 Feb. 1997, A28; Reuters 10 Feb. 1997a).

According to Le Monde, Kabila orders his troops to stop their movement towards Lubutu and the Tingi-Tingi camp and instead advance on Kisangani (11 Feb. 1997). A few days later, Kabilia states that he may attack the Tingi-Tingi camp (AP 13 Feb. 1997; Chicago Tribune 14 Feb. 1997). (See also the entry for 13 February 1997.)

The town of Amisi falls into rebel hands (CHC-Nairobi 11 Feb. 1997, 1; The New York Times 9 Feb. 1997); the refugees in the Amisi camp move to the Tingi-Tingi camp (ibid.; Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1).

10 February

At the instigation of the Sacred Union of the Radical Opposition (Union sacrée de l'opposition radicale—USOR), an opposition movement led by Étienne Tshisekedi, a one-day general strike is held in Kinshasa to press for the removal of Prime Minister Kengo wa Dondo (Reuters 10 Feb. 1997b; La Libre Belgique 1-3 Mar. 1997). The opposition's call for a strike is heeded in Kisangani as well (AFP 14 Feb. 1997), but it is not known whether the rest of the country followed suit (Reuters 10 Feb. 1997b). According to Reuters, the opposition accuses Prime Minister Kengo wa Dondo of mishandling the situation and is calling for negotiations with the rebels (ibid.). No violence is reported (ibid.).

Reuters reports that the AFDL rebels are advancing towards the airport and military base in Kindu (the administrative centre of Maniema), which is heavily guarded by the Zairian army (Reuters 10 Feb. 1997a; see also Le Monde 11 Feb. 1997).

11 February

The town of Isiro, located to the northwest of Kisangani, is captured by the rebels (AFP 23 Feb. 1997a; Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1; Keesing's Feb. 1997, 41477); it was looted by the Zairian army a month ago (Le Monde 17 Feb. 1997).

12 February

The Zairian military conducts air raids against the rebels in the vicinity of Bafwasende and Tingi-Tingi (AP 13 Feb. 1997; Chicago Tribune 14 Feb. 1997). According to Kabila, the raids leave two rebels dead and 27 others wounded (AP 13 Feb. 1997); according to the Zairian government, about 30 rebel fighters are killed (Chicago Tribune 14 Feb. 1997).

13 February

The rebels capture Faradje, a town situated in the extreme northeast of Zaire (Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1; AP 13 Feb. 1997; Reuters 13 Feb. 1997).

Kabila announces that his troops will not hesitate to attack the Tingi-Tingi refugee camp if the Zairian government does not disarm the soldiers who had served in the former Hutu-dominated Rwandan army (FAR) and the Hutu militiamen who are using the camp as a base (Chicago Tribune 16 Feb. 1997; AP 13 Feb. 1997; Keesing's Feb. 1997, 41477). (See also the entry for 2 March 1997.)

14 February

The government bans all demonstrations for the duration of the war (Reuters 14 Feb. 1997; AFP 7 Mar. 1997a; Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997b, 2). It also prohibits private radio and television stations from broadcasting political news and programmes (ibid.; AP 15 Feb. 1997; Chicago Tribune 16 Feb. 1997).

15 February

About 100 people demonstrate in front of Tshisekedi's Kinshasa residence to press for Mobutu's resignation (AP 15 Feb. 1997; Chicago Tribune 16 Feb. 1997). No police officers or military personnel seem to be present (ibid.).

According to AFP, a Kisangani military tribunal sentences four ethnic-Tutsi Zairians to death for espionage and treason (15 Feb. 1997).

16 February

United Nations and Tanzanian officials state that 1,500 people are crossing Lake Tanganyika daily as the rebels continue their advance (Reuters 16 Feb. 1997; AFP 24 Feb. 1997). According to Reuters, the acting regional commissioner, Lugusha, has stated that on 13 February, Tanzanian security forces arrested 161 Zairian soldiers in Kigoma, Tanzania (Reuters 16 Feb. 1997; see also AFP 24 Feb. 1997).

17 February

The Zairian air force bombs Bukavu (CHC-Nairobi 18 Feb. 1997, 1), Walikale and Shabunda, killing nine people and wounding 37 others; most of the casualties are civilians (The New York Times 18 Feb. 1997; AFP 17 Feb. 1997b; Reuters 18 Feb. 1997).

The UNHCR opens a camp in Kalima for refugees from Shabunda (AFP 17 Feb. 1997a; Reuters 18 Feb. 1997); it closes the Amisi camp as the rebels continue their advance (AFP 17 Feb. 1997a).

18 February

Sources report that the Zairian military has distributed arms to Hutu militiamen in the Tingi-Tingi camp (The New York Times 18 Feb. 1997; Reuters 18 Feb. 1997; Keesing's Feb. 1997, 41477). The week before, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan confirmed reports that arms were being delivered by plane to Hutu militiamen in the Tingi-Tingi refugee camp (Chicago Tribune 16 Feb. 1997, 14; Keesing's Feb. 1997, 41477).

19 February

The Zairian military conducts air raids against rebel troops between Bafwasende and Banalia (Reuters 22 Feb. 1997), killing about 10 civilians and rebels (AFP 23 Feb. 1997b; The Christian Science Monitor 24 Feb. 1997).

22 February

AFDL forces capture the Kalima camp, forcing 20,000 to 25,000 Hutu refugees to flee (Keesing's Feb. 1997, 41477; Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1; see also AFP 23 Feb. 1997a). According to Info-Zaïre, youths among the refugees who do not flee are killed by the rebels, while the others are forced to return by foot to Rwanda and Burundi (28 Feb. 1997a, 1).

24-27 February

Rebel chief Kabila goes to Pretoria, South Africa, where he meets with South African government officials and the joint United Nations/Organization of African Unity (OAU) special representative Mohamed Sahnoun (Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997c, 2; CHC-Nairobi 25-27 Feb. 1997, 7); on 26 February, Kabila announces that he is ready to negotiate (Keesing's Feb. 1997, 41477). He insists that the negotiations must deal with the question of Mobutu's departure (Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997d, 3).

25 February

According to Africa News, nine FAZ officers have defected to the rebel camp (25 Feb. 1997; see also Info-Zaïre 27 Mar. 1997b, 1).

27 February

A Libération article states that witnesses have reported seeing mass graveyards and massacres near Goma, Bukava and other sites in eastern Zaire; there are allegations that the victims were refugees who did not return to Rwanda in November and had not made it to the refugee camps in eastern Zaire (Libération 27 Feb. 1997, 10; Africa News 24 Mar. 1997; Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997e, 3). In addition, AZADHO has obtained eye-witness accounts of refugees and ethnic-Hutu Zairians being massacred by Rwandan and Zairian Tutsis aided by Mai-Mai (Info-Zaïre 27 Mar. 1997d, 4; Reuters 3 Mar. 1997; CHC-Nairobi 4-7 Mar. 1997, 9). Members of the Goma Civil Society as well as Monsignor Faustin Ngabu, the Bishop of Goma, deny all allegations that there was a genocide or a planned massacre of refugees (Info-Zaïre 27 Mar. 1997d, 3). The UNHCR also denies the allegations (ibid.; Africa News 28 Feb. 1997; CHC-Nairobi 28 Feb.-3 Mar. 1997, 8).

28 February

According to Africa News, rebels advancing towards Kisangani from Isiro have captured Bafwangbe and Bafwabogho and have reached Bafwaboli[5]5 (28 Feb. 1997).

 

1 March

International relief agency workers are evacuated from Kisangani and head for Kinshasa (AFP 1 Mar. 1997; Africa News 1 Mar. 1997).

Kindu airport is captured by the rebels (AFP 4 Mar. 1997b; see also Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1; Africa News 28 Feb. 1997).

2 March

The rebels claim to have captured Kindu (AFP 15 Mar. 1997a; ibid. 2 Mar. 1997). According to various sources, Zairian soldiers had looted the town before the rebels arrived (AFP 15 Mar. 1997a; Info-Zaïre 28 Feb. 1997a, 1; Keesing's Feb. 1997, 41477; AFP 2 Mar. 1997). The rebel forces also claim to have captured the Tingi-Tingi camp and the town of Lubutu (ibid.; Info-Zaïre 27 Mar. 1997a, 1; CHC-Nairobi 28 Feb.-3 Mar. 1997, 7). According to Reuters, Kabila announced as early as mid-February that his men were laying siege to Lubutu (13 Feb. 1997). Kabila reportedly refuses to accept a ceasefire because he believes that it would work to the advantage of the existing regime (AFP 4 Mar. 1997).

5 March

The AFDL organizes administrative elections in Maniema and points out that the victorious candidates are not Mobutu supporters (AFP 5 Mar. 1997; ibid. 5 Mar. 1997b).

7 March

A march organized by the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (Union pour la démocratie et le progrès social—UDPS) to press for a negotiated settlement to the conflict is broken up by law-enforcement authorities; according to witnesses, several demonstrators are arrested (AFP 7 Mar. 1997; Reuters 7 Mar. 1997).

The Christian Science Monitor reports that Mobutu has accepted a peace plan proposed by the UN in February (The Christian Science Monitor 7 Mar. 1997). On 18 February, the UN had adopted a resolution that, among other things, called for [translation] "'the immediate cessation of hostilities' and 'the retreat of all external forces, including mercenaries'" (AFP 23 Feb. 1997a; see also The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Feb. 1997, 6; Info-Zaïre 27 Mar. 1997a, 1).

8 March

According to Info-Zaïre, Kabila's troops encounter no resistance as they march into the northern town of Kongolo, which had managed to avoid being looted by Zairian soldiers (27 Mar. 1997a, 1).

9 March

The rebels take Moba, situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, in Shaba (Info-Zaïre 27 Mar. 1997a, 1; AFP 15 Mar. 1997a; Reuters 11 Mar. 1997).

Africa News, citing Reuters, reports that soldiers from the former Rwandan army control the town of Punia (9 Mar. 1997). About 50,000 residents have fled the town to escape the soldiers' harassment and thievery (ibid.).

15 March

Kisangani, after being looted by Zairian soldiers, falls to the rebels (Info-Zaïre 27 Mar. 1997a, 1; AFP 15 Mar. 1997b; La Lettre du Continent 20 Mar. 1997). Kabila announces that he will not abide by any ceasefire agreement until he has held negotiations with President Mobutu (AFP 15 Mar. 1997b; Africa No. 1 7 Mar. 1997; see also Africa Confidential 14 Mar. 1997, 1).

Rebel chief Kabila meets with UN and OAU emissary Mohamed Sahnoun; after the meeting, Kabila reiterates that he accepts the UN peace plan under certain conditions (AFP 15 Mar. 1997).

16 March

According to Info-Zaïre, the AFDL announces that it has captured Mpweto, situated to the south of Kalémie (27 Mar. 1997a, 1).

22 March

During a public address in Kisangani, Kabila announces a ban on all non-AFDL political parties until the hostilities end (Info-Zaïre 27 Mar. 1997c, 3; The New York Times 1 Apr. 1997a; Africa Confidential 28 Mar. 1997, 2).

24 March

Prime Minister Kengo wa Dondo resigns (CHC-Nairobi 27 Mar.-1 Apr. 1997, 6) after having been dismissed on 18 March by the Supreme Council of the Republic—Parliament of Transition (Haut Conseil de la République—Parlement de transition) (HCR-PT) (Info-Zaïre 27 Mar. 1997b, 2; Le Monde 4 Apr. 1997).

27 March

AFP reports that at the 26 March OAU summit in Lomé, the capital of Togo, the belligerent parties accepted [translation] "the principle of a ceasefire and the principle of negotiations" (27 Mar. 1997).

28 March

The AFDL seizes control of the town of Kasenga (Info-Zaïre 30 Apr. 1997a; AFP 14 Apr. 1997b). According to AP, the inhabitants of Kasenga had driven away the FAZ and were waiting for the rebels to arrive (31 Mar. 1997).

31 March

The rebels capture the Kamina military base[6]6 (AFP 31 Mar. 1997; AP 31 Mar. 1997; The New York Times 1 Apr. 1997b).

2 April

Mobutu approves the appointment of Étienne Tshisekedi as the new prime minister (Le Monde 4 Apr. 1997; Info-Zaïre 30 Apr. 1997b); the AFDL does not intend to participate in his government (ibid.; Le Monde 5 Apr. 1997).

According to IPS, the UNHCR announces that the AFDL is preventing it from using the Kisangani airport for repatriating refugees (2 Apr. 1997). Returning from a visit to eastern Zaire, UN Special Rapporteur Roberto Garretón confirms that the AFDL has committed [UN translation] "serious violations of the right to life" (United Nations 2 Apr. 1997, para. 48; IPS 2 Apr. 1997; Le Monde 12 May 1997).

4-5 April

The rebels take Mbuji-Mayi, Zaire's main diamond centre located in East Kasai; Zairian soldiers loot the town before fleeing (AFP 4 Apr. 1997; Reuters 5 Apr. 1997; The Economist 12 Apr. 1997, 35). According the one report, some soldiers decide to join the rebels (ibid.). The rebels announce that they will not hesitate to shoot anyone caught stealing (ibid., 36). A short while after capturing Mbuji-Mayi, the AFDL holds an election for governor of East Kasai; the president of the regional wing of the Luba party wins this election, which was held by a show of hands in Mbuji-Mayi's stadium (ibid., 35; see also Info-Zaïre 30 Apr. 1997d).

The AFDL expels eight foreign journalists from Lubumbashi, in Shaba, although they all possess the permits required by Kinshasa (Libération 5-6 Apr. 1997, 5; RFI 4 Apr. 1997).

5-6 April

The belligerent parties start talks in South Africa (AFP 6 Apr. 1997; Info-Zaïre 30 Apr. 1997c; The Washington Post 7 Apr. 1997, A12).

7 April

AFP reports that police and troops use tear gas and clubs to break up a demonstration near the parliament building in Kinshasa by 300 to 500 supporters of Étienne Tshisekedi's UDPS who are trying to prevent the parliamentary session from getting under way (7 Apr. 1997a; ibid. 7 Apr. 1997b); some demonstrators are reportedly beaten up by the police (ibid.; ibid. 8 Apr. 1997). According to AFP, some demonstrators attack high-ranking HCR-PT officials and wound two of them (ibid.).

Kabila agrees to allow relief agencies to repatriate refugees by plane from the Kisangani airport (The Ottawa Citizen 7 Apr. 1997, A7; CHC-Nairobi 8-10 Apr. 1997, 7).

8 April

President Mobutu declares a nationwide state of emergency (AFP 8 Apr. 1997; The Economist 12 Apr. 1997, 35; The Christian Science Monitor 14 Apr. 1997, 1). In an act that contravenes the transitional constitution, he appoints Likulia Bolongo as the new prime minister (Info-Zaïre 30 Apr. 1997b). He also appoints military governors in Bandundu, Lower Zaire, Équateur, West Kasai and Kinshasa, the five regions still under his control (AFP 8 Apr. 1997; Voix du Zaïre 9 Apr. 1997; CHC-Nairobi 8-10 Apr. 1997, 7).

AFP reports that the rebels now control North and South Kivu, Upper Zaire, Maniema and East Kasai (AFP 8 Apr. 1997).

9 April

Soldiers hit demonstrators and use tear gas to disperse a gathering of thousands of people in front of Tshisekedi's Kinshasa residence (AFP 9 Apr. 1997; Voice of America 9 Apr. 1997; AP 9 Apr. 1997). No injuries are reported as a result of this confrontation (Voice of America 9 Apr. 1997).

The rebels capture Zaire's second-largest city, Lubumbashi (in Shaba) (AFP 11 Apr. 1997; CHC-Nairobi 8-10 Apr. 1997,6; Le Monde 12 Apr. 1997).

11 April

The new prime minister, General Bolongo, forms a [translation] "national salvation" government (AFP 11 Apr. 1997; Le Monde 14 Apr. 1997). Foreign Affairs Minister Kamanda wa Kamanda retains his post and the army chief of staff, General Mahele Bokungu Lieko, gets the national defence portfolio (ibid.).

According to the AFDL radio station, Voix du peuple, the rebels capture Kasumbalesa, near the border with Zambia (Le Monde 16 Apr. 1997; CHC-Nairobi 16-18 Apr. 1997, 3).

12 April

Rejecting Kabila's ultimatum, Mobutu refuses to resign (Le Monde 15 Apr. 1997a; CHC-Nairobi 11-15 Apr. 1997, 6; The Christian Science Monitor 14 Apr. 1997).

13 April

Kabila announces that his forces have captured Kananga (the capital of West Kasai) and Kolwezi (northeast of Lubumbashi) (AFP 14 Apr. 1997a; Le Monde 15 Apr. 1997a; CHC-Nairobi 11-15 Apr. 1997, 5).

14 April

The radical wing of the UDPS organizes a general strike ("ville morte") in Kinshasa demanding Mobutu's departure (AFP 14 Apr. 1997a; Info-Zaïre 30 Apr. 1997b; CHC-Nairobi 16-18 Apr. 1997, 3). Civil Guard (Garde civile) soldiers reportedly fire shots in the air to disperse the retreating crowd (AFP 14 Apr. 1997a; CHC-Nairobi 16-18 Apr. 1997). A call for a general strike also goes out to the regions still under government control (Le Monde 15 Apr. 1997a), and, according to Info-Zaïre, the call was heeded (30 Apr. 1997a).

Youths belonging to the Union of Federalists and Independent Republicans (Union des fédéralistes et des républicains indépendants—UFERI) confront the new Shaba governor, Gaëtan Kakudji, and demand that he announce the date of the next elections (Le Monde 16 Apr. 1997; AFP 14 Apr. 1997c; CHC-Nairobi 16-18 Apr. 1997, 3). Kakudji, Kabila's cousin, was appointed by the AFDL (Africa Confidential 23 May 1997; New African June 1997, 21; Le Monde 16 Apr. 1997).

15 April

Kabila demands US$750,000 per head for the release of some 40-odd Lebanese hostages held in Mbuji-Mayi (Info-Zaïre 30 Apr. 1997a; CHC-Nairobi 16-18 Apr. 1997, 3; UPI 27 Apr. 1997). South Africa is reportedly willing to receive the hostages (AFP 15 Apr. 1997; Le Monde 15 Apr. 1997b). On 27 April, it is reported that 45 Lebanese hostages held in Mbuji-Mayi leave Zaire for South Africa after an agreement was reached between the rebels and the Lebanese embassy in Zaire (UPI 27 Apr. 1997; see also The Washington Times 23 Apr. 1997; Reuters 20 Apr. 1997).

Students and army troops clash during a one-day student strike aimed at forcing Mobutu to step down (Le Monde 17 Apr. 1997b; see also CHC-Nairobi 16-18 Apr. 1997, 3).

22 April

The rebels attack the Kases and Biaro refugee camps near Kisangani; it is not known how many of the 85,000 Hutus in these camps were killed during these attacks and how many were forced to flee (Libération 28 Apr. 1997, 10; The Dallas Morning News 27 Apr. 1997; Info-Zaïre 30 May 1997b). Only 37,000 of them have reportedly been found and repatriated to Rwanda (ibid.). According to Info-Zaïre, a rebel fighter who wished to remain anonymous has stated that the rebels massacred the other refugees (ibid.). Survivors of these massacres have corroborated this information (ibid.; The Dallas Morning News 27 Apr. 1997; Voice of America 16 June 1997); villagers in nearby areas also tell the same story (DPA 24 Apr. 1997; Le Monde 25 Apr. 1997, 4).

23 April

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan denounces the rebels' [translation] "inhumanity" towards the refugees and accuses Kabila of [translation] "starving [the refugees] to death" (Le Monde 25 Apr. 1997, 4; Reuters 28 Apr. 1997; see also Africa News 6 May 1997); Kabila denies these allegations (Reuters 28 Apr. 1997; L'Autre Afrique 21-27 May 1997, 11; see also DPA 24 Apr. 1997). On 24 April, Amnesty International alleges that the refugees are victims of [translation] "arbitrary executions" carried out by the rebel forces (Le Monde 25 Apr. 1997, 4; Libération 25 Apr. 1997, 5). The rebels deny these accusations and claim that the massacres were the work of Rwandan Hutu militiamen among the refugees (ibid.; Le Monde 26 Apr. 1997, 4; Africa News 6 May 1997).

Continuing their advance towards Kinshasa, the rebels march into Ilebo and Tchikapa (West Kasai) and also claim to have taken Boembe, a town in the Équateur region (Libération 25 Apr. 1997, 5; DPA 24 Apr. 1997; AFP 24 Apr. 1997).

24 April

After a four-day wait, relief agency workers are authorized by the AFDL to visit refugee camps near Kisangani, provided they are accompanied by rebel representatives (DPA 24 Apr. 1997; The Dallas Morning News 27 Apr. 1997). No refugees are found in the Kasese camp (Le Monde 26 Apr. 1997, 4; Libération 25 Apr. 1997, 5). On 28 April, relief agency representatives visiting a refugee camp near Biaro find 20 bodies with marks indicating that they "don't appear to have died naturally" (The New York Times 29 Apr. 1997; HRW 30 Apr. 1997; see also Voice of America 16 June 1997).

26 April

Rebels reportedly abduct about 50 Rwandan children and several of their parents from a hospital in Lwiro, near Bukavu (HRW 30 Apr. 1997; The New York Times 29 Apr. 1997; Africa News 6 May 1997). According to AFP, the hostages are released to relief workers a few days later (2 May 1997). The children were reportedly starved and beaten while in captivity (ibid.).

 

29 April

Kabila's forces march into Kikwit, a town located about 500 km east of Kinshasa (AFP 29 Apr. 1997; Libération 30 Apr. 1997, 9; IPS 29 Apr. 1997).

4 May

President Mobutu and Kabila meet on a South African ship in Pointe-Noire, a port in neighbouring Congo (Libération 5 May 1997, 2; AFP 17 May 1997; The New York Times 5 May 1997, A1). According to one report, Kabila continues to demand Mobutu's resignation and the transfer of power to the AFDL but promises that there will be a transition period of at least two years (Libération 16 May 1997, 10). He agrees to meet with President Mobutu again eight days later (The New York Times 5 May 1997, A6; Libération 5 May 1997, 2).

About 100 refugees are trampled or crushed to death in a train taking them from Biaro to Kisangani, from where they were to be repatriated to Rwanda; the rebels had reportedly crowded the refugees into the trains (AFP 6 May 1997a; The Washington Post 5 May 1997; Reuters 5 May 1997).

5 May

The AFDL refuses to allow a UN investigative team to go to Goma, where the team was to examine allegations of massacres in areas of eastern Zaire controlled by the rebels (AFP 6 May 1997b; Le Monde 12 May 1997; Info-Zaïre 30 May 1997b).

 

10 May

The HCR-PT elects Monsignor Laurent Monsengwo as its new speaker (AFP 17 May 1997; Libération 14 May 1997a; The Christian Science Monitor 13 May 1997).

13 May

The French government reports that Kabila's troops have been massacring Rwandan Hutu refugees in Mbandaka, a town located northeast of Kinshasa (Libération 14 May 1997a; The New York Times 14 May 1997). The UNHCR has also apparently received reports of such massacres (AFP 14 May 1997b).

Libération quotes a witness as stating that Malians, Congolese and Senegalese, groups who are targetted by looters, are leaving Zaire and heading for Brazzaville, the capital of Congo (14 May 1997b).

14 May

Four to six people are killed and several others seriously wounded in an explosion, apparently caused by a bomb, aboard a boat arriving in Kinshasa harbour from Brazzaville (AFP 13 May 1997; Le Monde 16 May 1997; AFP 14 May 1997c).

15 May

Fearing for his safety, Kabila cancels his final scheduled meeting with President Mobutu (Financial Times 15 May 1997; Libération 15 May 1997, 4).

Libération reports that for the third consecutive day, Kinshasa residents participate in the general strike ("ville morte") called on 13 May by the Tshisekedi-led opposition in order to [translation] "facilitate the rebels' entry into the capital" (ibid.; see also Le Monde 16 May 1997; Info-Zaïre 30 May 1997a; see also AFP 14 May 1997a).

16 May

President Mobutu leaves the capital; it is announced that he has [translation] "ceased all intervention in the affairs of the state" (Libération 17-18 May 1997, 2; see also Le Devoir 17-18 May 1997, A1; AFP 29 May 1997).

About 10 civilians are killed as a result of fighting between Hutu extremists and AFDL soldiers near Goma (Le Monde 21 May 1997; AFP 2 June 1997). Le Monde reports that Rwandan soldiers have been robbing, raping and looting the people of Goma for a week (17 May 1997).

17 May

As AFDL troops march into Kinshasa, Kabila, who is still in Lubumbashi, proclaims himself president (AFP 17 May 1997; The New York Times 18 May 1997, A1; Reuters 18 May 1997); the rebels encounter no resistance as they enter Kinshasa (Info-Zaïre 30 May 1997a; The Washington Post 19 May 1997). Kabila proclaims all existing constitutional acts null and void and renames the country the Democratic Republic of Congo (République démocratique du Congo) (ibid.; The New York Times 18 May 1997, A1; AFP 20 May 1997).

The national defence minister, General Mahele, is reportedly assassinated by a member of the Special Presidential Division (Division spéciale présidentielle—DSP) (AFP 18 May 1997a; The New York Times 18 May 1997, A10; The Toronto Star 17 May 1997).

18 May

The Red Cross reports that more that 200 people, most of them soldiers, have been killed since the rebels arrived in Kinshasa[7]7 (AFP 18 May 1997c; ibid. 18 May 1997d). According to an AFP report, the dead include as many Kinshasa looters as FAZ soldiers (ibid.). The soldiers are surrendering relatively peacefully (The Washington Post 19 May 1997; AFP 18 May 1997b; Libération 19 May 1997). Civilians are also attacking people suspected of having had close ties to the Mobutu government (AFP 19 May 1997).

19 May

Sixteen Rwandan soldiers from the former Rwandan army are transferred by AFDL soldiers from the General Hospital, where they were receiving treatment, to the Mobutu camp in the Lemba district, even though they still reportedly required treatment (AZADHO 10 June 1997, 6; Great Lakes—Central Africa 3 June 1997).

20 May

Médecins sans frontières (MSF) accuses the AFDL of exterminating the Rwandan Hutu refugees; MSF estimates that 190,000 refugees are missing (Libération 20 May 1997, 2; Le Soir 21 May 1997; Info-Zaïre 30 May 1997b). According to Le Soir, ten days later Kabila denies the allegations by human rights organizations that the rebels have carried out massacres (2 June 1997; Voice of America 16 June 1997).

21 May

Students demonstrate in Kisangani to protest against the 20 May murder of a student by AFDL soldiers; AFDL forces break up the demonstration (Le Monde 26 May 1997; AFP 21 May 1997; USAID 23 May 1997).

22 May

Kabila names 13 members of his cabinet, which is to include 20 ministers in all[8]8; he keeps the national defence portfolio for himself (AFP 23 May 1997a; Libération 24-25 May 1997, 13; The New York Times 24 May 1997, 6).

According to AFP, the rebels capture the town and port of Matadi, located 300 km southwest of Kinshasa (22 May 1997).

23 May

Tshisekedi refuses to recognize the new government (The New York Times 24 May 1997, 6; The Ottawa Citizen 24 May 1997, A14). The UDPS organizes an anti-Kabila march in Kinshasa; soldiers break up the demonstration by firing shots into the air (Le Monde 26 May 1997; The New York Times 24 May 1997; see also Libération 24-25 May 1997, 13). According to Le Monde, demonstrations are organized elsewhere in the country as well (26 May 1997). In Kisangani, one person is killed when AFDL forces intervene in a student protest against the new rulers (ibid.). In Mbuji-Mayi, unidentified gunmen open fire on the participants in an AFDL-organized [translation] "political reeducation seminar" (ibid.).

According to AFP, three foreign journalists are expelled from Goma, in the east of the country, on the orders of a National Intelligence Agency (Agence nationale de renseignements—ANR) official who does not want any journalists in the town (23 May 1997b).

24 May

Participants in a UDPS demonstration in Kinshasa are arrested by AFDL soldiers (The New York Times 25 May 1997, 8; Le Soir 26 May 1997; Reuters 27 May 1997); they are released a short time after being interrogated (Reuters 27 May 1997).

26 May

According to Info-Zaïre, 30 people are killed and about 100 others are wounded when AFDL soldiers open fire on a crowd of demonstrators in Uvira (30 May 1997c; United Nations 2 June 1997; see also AFP 2 June 1997). According to town residents quoted by The Washington Post, about 275 participants in a demonstration held in mid-May were killed by AFDL soldiers (23 June 1997).

Demonstrations are henceforth banned in Kinshasa, as are political activities by all parties that do not belong to the AFDL (Reuters 29 May 1997; Libération 28 May 1997; AFP 28 May 1997a). The authorities announce that violators will be prosecuted (The New York Times 27 May 1997; see also Great Lakes—Central Africa 3 June 1997).

28 May

Kabila invests himself with comprehensive powers that he is to keep until a new constitution is ready (Reuters 29 May 1997; AFP 29 May 1997).

Kabila's soldiers forcibly break up a banned demonstration by thousands of opponents of the new regime who call for Kabila's resignation; about 40 demonstrators and 10 journalists are arrested (Le Soir 29 May 1997; AFP 28 May 1997a; see also The New York Times 29 May 1997). The journalists are released about an hour after their arrest (AFP 28 May 1997b; La Lettre de Reporters sans frontières 16 June 1997).

29 May

Several hundred students swarm into the stadium where the presidential swearing-in ceremony is to be held. Law-enforcement authorities break up the demonstration and arrest a number of its leaders (Reuters 29 May 1997; Le Monde 31 May 1997; see also United Nations 2 June 1997).

Kabila is sworn in as the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Le Soir 29 May 1997; Le Monde 31 May 1997; Info-Zaïre 30 May 1997a). In addition to proclaiming that elections will be held in April 1999, he states that a new constitution will be drawn up and submitted to a referendum in December 1998 (Reuters 29 May 1997; Le Monde 31 May 1997; Jeune Afrique 4-10 June 1997, 7).

30 May

A demonstration in Kinshasa by 200 to 400 UDPS members expressing their opposition to the country's new president takes place without incident (AFP 30 May 1997a; ibid. 30 May 1997b; Le Soir 31 May 1997).

A relief worker accompanying a group of refugees is killed near Goma when the group is attacked, apparently by AFDL soldiers (Save the Children Fund/UK 1 June 1997; AFP 3 June 1997a).

Late May

AFP reports the allegations of a religious organization that AFDL soldiers committed a number of human rights violations in Kisangani during the month of May. The soldiers reportedly killed three people on 20, 27 and 29 May 1997 (AFP 19 June 1997). According to another AFP report, out-of-control elements of the AFDL are committing human rights violations in the eastern part of the country (3 June 1997b).

AFDL elements have reportedly publicly removed pants or stretch leggings from women because these items of clothing are banned under the new regime (The New York Times 24 May 1997, 6); some women have been physically abused (AZADHO 10 June 1997, 4).

Early June

An AZADHO report states that between 17 May and 9 June, people were robbed by AFDL soldiers pretending to be on an investigative mission (10 June 1997, 3; see also United Nations 23 May 1997; The Washington Post 23 June 1997). The AZADHO report adds that former Mobutu security service commanders have been illegally confined by the AFDL (10 June 1997, 6).

Sources report that AFDL forces continue to massacre Rwandan refugees in the eastern part of the country (The Nando Times 16 June 1997; Reuters 10 June 1997; CHC-Nairobi 14-18 June 1997, 7). Democratic Republic of Congo officials deny these allegations (ibid.; The Washington Post 21 June 1997; AFP 20 June 1997). According to some sources, Kabila does not have control over certain elements of the AFDL forces, composed primarily of Tutsis (The Washington Post 18 June 1997; AFP 3 June 1997b).

6 June

AFDL soldiers reportedly allow more than 1,000 people to hold an anti-Kabila protest march in the streets of Kinshasa (Reuters 6 June 1997).

10 June

About 20 students at the Higher Institute of Commerce (Institut supérieur de commerce) are reportedly arrested in Kinshasa during a demonstration in which they demand the release of the Institute's director; however, according to the source, the director is reportedly not in detention (Télé-Zaïre 11 June 1997).

12 June

An AFDL soldier kills a student during an altercation in Kinshasa (AFP 12 June 1997; Le Soir 13 June 1997); students immediately organize a demonstration during which they demand the departure of the AFDL's Rwandans (ibid. ; AFP 12 June 1997).

13 June

According to AFP, police stations no longer meet the needs of the population in Kinshasa, and more and more people are bypassing the authorities and resorting to vigilante justice. Two people are burned alive by a mob and a third is shot by soldiers as he tries to escape; he, too, is burned to death by the mob (13 June 1997).

14 June

In Bukavu, about 1,000 people voting with a show of hands elect Jean-Charles Magabé as the new governor of South Kivu (AFP 16 June 1997; The Washington Post 18 June 1997). According to AFP, Magabé succeeds a governor who was appointed by Kabila at the start of the conflict in October 1996 (16 June 1997).

19 June

It is reported that so far an estimated 2,271 Zairian nationals have asked for asylum in South Africa (The Star 19 June 1997).

21 June

AFP reports that the AFDL has arrested former senior officials of the Mobutu regime (21 June 1997a); former directors of state corporations have also been arrested on charges of [translation] "poor management" (ibid. 21 June 1997b). One former senior official of the Mobutu regime who owns a private television station was charged with appropriating equipment belonging to the publicly-owned television corporation; his station has been nationalized (Africa No. 1 18 June 1997).

25 June

According to AFP, AFDL soldiers conducting a search operation in a Kinshasa neighborhood kill a man who refuses to hand over his weapon (25 June 1997).

26 June

Radio France Internationale (RFI) reports that the offices of the newspaper Le Soft were ransacked (26 June 1997). According to the same source, the newspaper's management believes that this act was committed by AFDL soldiers (ibid.).

Étienne Tshisekedi is the guest speaker at a demonstration organized at the University of Kinshasa by students opposed to the Kabila government (HRW 9 July 1997). Shortly after delivering his speech to the students, Tshisekedi is arrested by AFDL soldiers at his residence in Kinshasa's Limete district (AFP 26 June 1997; Le Soir 27 June 1997; The Washington Post 27 June 1997); he is released a few hours later (AFP 27 June 1997; AP 27 June 1997).

In a letter sent to Kabila in early July, Human Rights Watch denounces the authorities' intimidation of the students who organized the demonstration; seven of these students felt it necessary to go into hiding after learning that AFDL soldiers were looking for them (9 July 1997).

27 June

Tshisekedi tells a crowd of about 250 people that the country's leadership had told him to abandon politics (The Washington Post 28 June 1997; Le Soir 28 June 1997; Reuters 27 June 1997). To protest against Tshisekidi's arrest, his supporters set fire to vehicles and loot a gas station (Info-Congo/Kinshasa 4 July 1997a; Le Soir 28 June 1997; The New York Times 13 July 1997).

About 30 people—mostly UDPS members—demonstrating in front of the American embassy are arrested and taken to the N'Dolo prison; among those arrested is Olengnkoyi, the president of Innovative Forces for the Sacred Union (Forces novatrices pour l'union sacrée—FONUS) (Le Soir 3 July 1997; Info-Congo/Kinshasa 4 July 1997a). A Tshisekedi aide, Marcel Mbayo, tells Reuters that demonstrators who protested against Tshisekedi's arrest have themselves been arrested (Reuters 27 June 1997).

30 June

Kabila addresses a crowd in Kinshasa's national stadium during celebrations marking the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo (CNN 30 June 1997; AFP 30 June 1997). A student is reportedly abducted from the stadium and tortured in detention (ibid.; Info-Congo/Kinshasa 4 July 1997a). He is reportedly released on 2 July on condition that he provide the security forces with information regarding his colleagues' whereabouts (ibid.; HRW 9 July 1997). AFP reports that government officials warned the public on 29 June that any unauthorized demonstration held during this anniversary day would be considered to be a disturbance of the peace (AFP 30 June 1997). AFDL soldiers deployed in downtown Kinshasa to prevent a march organized by opponents of the Kabila regime arrest about 30 people (ibid.; Le Soir 3 July 1997; CNN 30 June 1997). According to Le Soir, they are held in precarious conditions and some of them have been tortured (ibid.).

Early July

The leadership of the Democratic Republic of Congo refuses to cooperate fully with the United Nations' Commission on Human Rights, which wants to hold an inquiry into the alleged massacres of Hutu refugees. In particular, the government in Kinshasa reportedly rejects the proposed composition of the investigative team (New Vision 3 July 1997; USIA 8 July 1997; Info-Congo/Kinshasa 4 July 1997b).

1 July

According to Le Soir, Kabila has two of his allies arrested because they criticized his new government (15 July 1997). They are held by the National Intelligence Agency (Agence nationale de renseignements—ANR) and are reportedly being ill-treated (ibid.).

4 July

AZADHO denounces the new authorities for not respecting the rules of fundamental justice when arresting senior officials of the former regime (4 July 1997). In addition, AZADHO reports that illegal searches are being carried out by AFDL elements (ibid.).

6-7 July

At least 13 people are attacked and killed in Kinshasa (Reuters 7 July 1997; United Nations 8 July 1997; AZADHO 11 July 1997). AZADHO blames the attacks on AFDL elements and two soldiers from the former Rwandan army (ibid.). Reuters reports that government officials deny allegations of AFDL involvement and claim that the attacks were carried out by criminals wanting to damage the AFDL government (7 July 1997). Five assailants are arrested (ibid.; AFP 8 July 1997). According to the Panafrican News Agency (PANA), there are about 50 casualties, most of them civilians (7 July 1997).

8 July

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan announces that he will send a new team to the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate allegations of human rights violations committed against Rwandan refugees (PANA 9 July 1997; UPI 8 July 1997; USIA 8 July 1997).

9 July

Rwandan vice-president and defence minister Paul Kagamé states that Rwanda did in fact take part in the AFDL-led rebellion in Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo (The Washington Post 9 July 1997; Le Soir 10 July 1997; United Nations 14 July 1997).

REFERENCES

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Africa Confidential[London]. 28 March 1997. Vol. 38, No. 7. "Zaire: Kabila's Long March."

Africa Confidential[London]. 14 March 1997. Vol. 38, No. 6. "Zaire: A Bend in the River."

Africa Confidential[London]. 3 January 1997. Vol. 38, No. 1. "Zaire: Digging In."

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 6 May 1997. Sam Gonza. "East Africa: Alternatives to Repatriation." (NEXIS)

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 24 March 1997. "Zaire: Group Decry Mass Killings in Zaire." (NEXIS)

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 19 March 1997. "Zaire: Amnesty International: Troops Continue Gross Human Rights Violations." (NEXIS).

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 9 March 1997. "East Africa: Emergency Update No. 121 on the Great Lakes (03/07)." (NEXIS)

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 1 March 1997. "East Africa: Emergency Update No. 112 on the Great Lakes (03/01)." (NEXIS)

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 28 February 1997. "East Africa: Emergency Update No. 111 on the Great Lakes (02/28)." (NEXIS)

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 25 February 1997. "Zaire: Nine Zairean Army Officers Desert to Join Rebels." (NEXIS)

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 4 February 1997. Munkepi Lapess. "Zaire: Zairian Army Sets Up New Brigades." (NEXIS)

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 25 January 1997. "East Africa: Emergency Update No. 86 on the Great Lakes (01/24)." (NEXIS)

Africa News [Durham, NC]. 8 January 1997. "East Africa: Emergency Update No. 74 on the Great Lakes (01/08)." (NEXIS)

Africa No. 1 [Libreville, in French]. 18 June 1997. "Zairian Authorities to Nationalize Private TV Station." (FBIS-AFR-97-170 19 June 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...gfaqo&CID=C29510498046875067182628).

Africa No. 7 March 1997. "Rebel Official Reaffirms Rejection of Cease-Fire." (FBIS-AFR-97-066 7 Mar. 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...o4wvs&CID=C18530273437500066225994).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 8 July 1997. "Treize personnes tuées à Kinshasa par des inconnus, selon un nouveau bilan."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 30 June 1997. "Zaire: DRCongo; Kabila Calls for 'Rebuilding' on 30 June." (FBIS-AFR-97-181 30 June 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 27 June 1997. "Libération d'Étienne Tshisekedi."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 26 June 1997. "Des militants de l'opposition incendient des voitures, selon un témoin."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 25 June 1997. "Un homme qui refusait de donner son arme tué par des soldats à Kinshasa."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 21 June 1997a. "Vague d'arrestations d'anciens dignitaires du régime Mobutu."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 21 June 1997b. "Suspension de tous les dirigeants des entreprises publiques."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 20 June 1997. "Le président Kabila: 'Jamais eu de massacres' de réfugiés."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 19 June 1997. "Zaire: Christian Group Accuses Zaire Soldiers of Rights Violations." (FBIS-AFR-97-170 19 June 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...qx0qu&CID=C29510498046875067182628).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 16 June 1997. "Nouveau gouverneur pour la province du Sud-Kivu."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 13 June 1997. "Zaire—'Mob Justice' on Increase Since Kabila Takeover." (FBIS-AFR-97-164 13 June 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...8xyps&CID=C73242187500000067440375).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 12 June 1997. "DRCongo Soldier Reportedly Kills Student." (FBIS-AFR-97-163 12 June 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...sbqpy&CID=C73242187500000067440375).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 3 June 1997a. "Un collaborateur local de 'Save the Children' tué près de Goma."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 3 June 1997b. Christophe Parayre. "Zaire: Church—Feuds, Rights Violations in Eastern DRCongo." (FBIS-AFR-97-154 3 June 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...18bjc&CID=C29510498046875067182628).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 2 June 1997. "Violences et tensions ...."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 30 May 1997a. "Zaire: Zaire—Opposition Demonstration Begins in Kinshasa." (FBIS-AFR-97-150) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...yvq51&CID=C29510498046875067182628).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 30 May 1997b. Christophe Parayre. "M. Kabila sort renforcé de l'échec de la manifestation de l'opposition."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 29 May 1997. "Le RDC depuis l'arrivée au pouvoir de Laurent-Désiré Kabila."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 28 May 1997a. "L'opposition condamne la 'brutalité de la réaction' des soldats de M. Kabila."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 28 May 1997b. "Les soldats de Kabila dispersent les manifestants à Kinshasa." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 26 May 1997. Anne Chaon. "La nouvelle armée piégée par les délateurs."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 23 May 1997a. "Formation du premier gouvernement de la RDC."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 23 May 1997b. "Trois journalistes étrangers déclarés indésirables à Goma."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 22 May 1997. "Les troupes de l'Alliance prennent la ville portuaire de Matadi."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 21 May 1997. "Un étudiant tué à Kisangani et les Tutsis pris à partie."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 20 May 1997. Alliance des forces démocratiques pour la libération du Congo (AFDL). "Déclaration de prise de pouvoir."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 19 May 1997. Kevin McElderry. "Réglements de compte à Kinshasa."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 18 May 1997a. Joseph Gouala. "Paralysie des activités au port fluvial de Brazzaville."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 18 May 1997b. Kevin McElderry. "Les troupes de la Division spéciale présidentielle ont rendu les armes."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 18 May 1997c. "Plus de 200 morts à Kinshasa, selon un nouveau bilan de la Croix Rouge."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 18 May 1997d. Mario Fiorito. "Les morts de Kinshasa: presque autant de pillards que de militaires au combat."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 17 May 1997. "Zaïre: Kabila se proclame...."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 May 1997a. Anne Chaon. "Kinshasa, ville-morte, tournée vers Pointe-Noire."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 May 1997b. "Le HCR a aussi été informé de massacres commis par la rébellion à Mbandaka."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 May 1997c. "Quatre tués et six blessés dans une explosion au port de Kinshasa."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 13 May 1997. "Four Killed, Six Badly Injured in Kinshasa Port Blast." (BBC Summary 15 May 1997/NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 6 May 1997a. "Les enquêteurs de l'ONU bloqués à Kigali."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 6 May 1997b. "Combats, 'tueries' et efforts diplomatiques au Zaïre."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 2 May 1997. "Hostages Released in Eastern Zaire Said Starved and Beaten." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 29 April 1997. "Zaïre: sept mois de rébellion."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 27 April 1997. "La majorité des Libanais de Mbuji Mayi arrivés à Johannesburg."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 24 April 1997. "30 000 réfugiés hutus tentent de passer en Angola depuis le Zaïre."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 15 April 1997. "46 Libanais candidats au départ pour l'Afrique du Sud toujours bloqués à Mbuji-Mayi."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 April 1997a. Joseph Gouala. "Incidents à l'occasion de la journée 'ville morte' à Kinshasa."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 April 1997b. Jean-Pierre Campagne. "Zambian Backing Helped Zaire Rebels to Take Lubumbashi."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 April 1997c. Jean-Pierre Campagne. "Les rebelles confrontés à une situation politique délicate au Katanga."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 11 April 1997. "Le gouvernement zaïrois de 'salut national'."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 9 April 1997. "Affrontements entre soldats et manifestants à Kinshasa."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 8 April 1997. "Le maréchal Mobutu décrète l'État d'urgence sur tout le territoire zaïrois."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 7 April 1997a. "Intervention policière contre les manifestants près du parlement zaïrois."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 7 April 1997b. Michael Adler. "Zaire: Foreign Journalists, Demonstrators Molested During Protests." (FBIS-AFR-97-097 7 Apr. 1997). [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...41nms&CID=C2951049804687506718268).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 6 April 1997. "Les négociations inter-zaïroises sous le sceau du secret."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 4 April 1997. Jean-Pierre Campagne. "Les soldats zaïrois pillent Mbuji Mayi, la capitale du diamant."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 31 March 1997. Joseph Gouala. "Confusion politique persistante à Kinshasa."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 27 March 1997. "Les parties au conflit s'engagent sur le principe d'un cessez-le-feu et de négociations."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 15 March 1997a. "La rébellion dans l'est du Zaïre."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 15 March 1997b. "Le chef rebelle confirme la chute de Kisangani et refuse un cessez-le-feu."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 7 March 1997. "Dispersion des manifestants de l'opposition radicale par les forces de l'ordre."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 5 March 1997a. Christophe Parayre. "Nouvelles autorités dans la province de Maniema."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 5 March 1997b. "Rebels Elect Officials in Kindu." (BBC Summary 7 Mar. 1997/NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 4 March 1997a. Jean-Luc Porte. "Les 'invulnérables' guerriers Maï-Maï en première ligne dans l'offensive rebelle."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 4 March 1997b. Mario Fiorito. "La chute de Kindu; un revers catastrophique pour l'armée zaïroise."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 2 March 1997. "Rebel Leader Kabila Says No Cease-fire Until Mobutu Agrees to Negotiate." (BBC Summary 4 Mar. 1997/NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 1 March 1997. "L'ONU et les organisations humanitaires quittent Kisangani."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 26 February 1997. "Kinshasa War Council Sentences Officer to Death." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 24 February 1997. "Tanzania: Government Moves to Expel Rioting Zairian Soldiers." (FBIS-AFR-97-036 24 Feb. 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...u33to&CID=C18530273437500066225994).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 23 February 1997a. "La rébellion dans l'est du Zaïre."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 23 February 1997b. "Des raids aériens font des dizaines de morts à l'est de Kisangani."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 17 February 1997a. Philippe Massonnet. "Ouverture d'un nouveau camp de réfugiés dans l'est du Zaïre."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 17 February 1997b. Jean-Luc Porte. "Raid aérien gouvernemental zaïrois sur Bukavu aux mains des rebelles: 9 morts, 37 blessés."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 15 February 1997. "Quatre Banyamulenge condamnés à mort pour espionnage à Kisangani." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 February 1997. Pierre Briand. "Zaïre-armée: Kisangani craint plus les éventuelles exactions de l'armée que les rebelles."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 6 February 1997. "Des milliers de nouvelles recrues rebelles défilent dans Goma." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 3 February 1997a. "La rébellion dans l'est du Zaïre (chronologie)."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 3 February 1997b. "La rébellion entre au Shaba et lance un ultimatum au gouvernement."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 2 February 1997. Christophe Parayre. "Les exactions des troupes zaïroises à Bunia."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 1 February 1997. Pierre Briand. "Le commissaire européen chargé des questions humanitaires ...."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 31 January 1997a. "Les militaires zaïrois suspendent les activités humanitaires dans des camps de réfugiés."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 31 January 1997b. "Le HCR a suspendu ses activités au nord de Goma (est du Zaïre)."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 29 January 1997. "Des Rwandais détenus à Kisangani depuis le début de l'offensive rebelle."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 28 January 1997. "Zairean War Council Sentences Doctor to Death for Spying." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 22 January 1997. Pierre Briand. "L'armée zaïroise tente d'améliorer son image."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 21 January 1997. "Vingt officiers supérieurs de l'armée zaïroise écroués."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 20 January 1997. Pierre Briand. "Importante activité militaire à l'aéroport de Kisangani."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 17 January 1997. "La rébellion lance un appel au dialogue avec Kinshasa."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 16 January 1997. "Insécurité: les humanitaires quittent le camp d'Amisi (est du Zaïre)."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 January 1997a. "Profonde restructuration des services de renseignements et de la justice."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 January 1997b. "Zairean Rebels Flushing Out Government Troops in Forest." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 11 January 1997. "Couvre-feu décrété à Kisangani."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 10 January 1997. "Six officiers supérieurs mis à la disposition de la justice militaire."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 9 January 1997. "Zaire: UNHCR Suspends Activities North of Goma." (FBIS-AFR-97-006 9 Jan. 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...74vay&CID=C65148925781250066208337).

Agence France Presse (AFP). 8 January 1997. Christophe Parayre. "Insécurité et tension dans la région de Goma."

Agence France Presse (AFP). 6 January 1997. "La rébellion 'attend de pied ferme' la contre-offensive." (NEXIS)

Amnesty International (AI). 19 February 1997. "Zaire: Rape, Killings and Other Human Rights Violations by the Security Forces." (AI Index: AFR 62/06/97). London: Amnesty International.

The Associated Press (AP). 30 June 1997. "Kabila Vows to Rebuild Congo's Economy." [Internet] (URL: http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9706/30/congo.independence.ap/index.html).

The Associated Press (AP). 27 June 1997. Kamanga Mutond. "Opposition Leader in Congo Says Police Told Him to Stop Policital Activity." [Internet] (URL: http://www.nando.net/newsroom/ntn/world/062797/world1 l_29400.html).

The Associated Press (AP). 9 April 1997. Donna Bryson. "AP Photos KIN101-102, KIS101, 104-107, 203." (NEXIS)

The Associated Press (AP). 31 March 1997. "Radio: Rebels Say They Have Taken Kamina on Their Drive into Shaba with Zaire." (NEXIS)

The Associated Press (AP). 15 February 1997. Tina Susman. "Zaire Government Launches New Wartime Crackdown." (NEXIS)

The Associated Press (AP). 13 February 1997. Karin Davies. [Untitled]

Association zaïroise de défense des droits de l'homme (AZADHO) [Kinshasa]. 11 July 1997. "Communiqué de presse No. 10/97. Résurgence du terrorisme urbain à Kinshasa."

Association zaïroise de défense des droits de l'homme (AZADHO) [Kinshasa]. 4 July 1997. "Communiqué de presse No. 009/97. Congo-Kinshasa: où est passée la justice?"

Association zaïroise de défense des droits de l'homme (AZADHO) [Kinshasa]. 10 June 1997. "Appel urgent No. 003/97."

Association zaïroise de défense des droits de l'homme (AZADHO) [Kinshasa]. 21 January 1997. "Zaïre: situation préoccupante des droits de l'homme."

L'Autre Afrique[Paris]. 21-27 May 1997. No. 1. Jean-Baptiste Placca. "Une leçon d'humilité pour tous."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). June 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis; Special Report."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 14-18 June 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 16-18 April 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 11-15 April 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 8-10 April 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 27 March - 1 April 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 4-7 March 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 28 February - 3 March 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 25-27 February 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 18 February 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 11 February 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 5 February 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 29-31 January 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

Canadian High Commission, Nairobi (CHC-Nairobi). 25-28 January 1997. "UN and NGO Perspectives of the Great Lakes Region Crisis."

The Chicago Tribune. 16 February 1997. "Zaire Rebels Threatening Attack on Refugee Camp." (NEXIS)

The Chicago Tribune. 14 February 1997. "Zairian Rebels in Triple Advance; Attacks Will Intensify if President Stays, Guerilla Leader Says." (NEXIS)

The Christian Science Monitor[Boston]. 13 May 1997. Judith Matloff. "The Pulpit Plays a Part in Zaire War." (NEXIS)

The Christian Science Monitor[Boston]. 14 April 1997. Judith Matloff. "Embattled Zaire Dictator Hears Dominoes Falling." (NEXIS)

The Christian Science Monitor[Boston]. 7 March 1997. Judith Matloff. "Battle for River City Seen as Turning Point in War over Zaire." (NEXIS)

The Christian Science Monitor[Boston]. 24 February 1997. Judith Matloff. "Zaire and Rebels May Trade Words Instead of Bullets." (NEXIS)

The Dallas Morning News. 27 April 1997. "Mobutu's Forces Urged to Fight to the Death: Zairian Rebel Front Advances on Key City; Capital to Fall Soon, Diplomats Say." (NEXIS)

Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA). 24 April 1997. "Rebels Closer to Capital, but Under Pressure Because of Refugees." (NEXIS)

Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA). 3 February 1997. "E.U. Commissioner Says Refugees Dying of Hunger in Eastern Zaire." (NEXIS)

Le Devoir[Montréal]. 17-18 May 1997. "Mobutu quitte le pouvoir."

The Economist[London]. 12 April 1997. Vol. 343, No. 8012. "Liberating Zaire Is the Easy Bit."

Financial Times[London]. 15 May 1997. Michaela Wrong. "Talks: Mediators Kept Waiting by Kabila." [Internet] (URL: http://www.ft.com/archive/14946.html).

Great Lakes — Central Africa[Washington, DC]. 3 June 1997. No. 1. [Untitled]

Human Rights Watch (HRW). 9 July 1997. "Rights Watch Asks Kabila to Respect Rights." [Internet] (URL: http://www.africa news.org/central/zaire/19970709_feat1.html).

Human Rights Watch (HRW). 30 April 1997. "Zaire - Immediate Need for International Action for the Protection of Refugees." (DIRB Indexed Media Review[Ottawa] 29 April-6 May 1997, Vol. XIII, No. 18)

Info-Congo/Kinshasa[Montréal]. 4 July 1997a. No. 129. "Les premiers pas d'un nouveau régime."

Info-Congo/Kinshasa[Montréal]. 4 July 1997b. No. 129. "Enquête sur les massacres de réfugiés."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 30 May 1997a. No. 128. "End of Mobutu's Dictatorship."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 30 May 1997b. No. 128. "'Strategies' for the Elimination of Rwandan Refugees."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 30 May 1997c. No. 128. "Massacre at Uvira."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 30 April 1997a. No. 126. "Avancées de l'Alliance."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 30 April 1997b. No. 126. "Évolution politique à Kinshasa."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 30 April 1997c. No. 126. "Négociations et pressions."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 30 April 1997d. No. 126. "En zones libérées."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 27 March 1997a. No. 125. "La guerre se poursuit."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 27 March 1997b. No. 125. "Suites de la prise de Kisangani."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 27 March 1997c. No. 125. "Kabila veut gouverner."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 27 March 1997d. No. 125. "Génocide ou massacres?"

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 28 February 1997a. No. 124. "Sur le terrain des combats."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 28 February 1997b. No. 124. "Se battre ou négocier."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 28 February 1997c. No. 124. "Efforts diplomatiques."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 28 February 1997d. No. 124. "Tractations au Cap."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 28 February 1997e. No. 124. "Dans l'est des doutes."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 31 January 1997a. No. 123. "Préparatifs de guerre."

Info-Zaïre[Montréal]. 31 January 1997b. No. 123. "Sur le terrain."

Inter Press Service (IPS). 29 April 1997. Farhan Haq. "Zaire-Arms: Profit Motive Brings Outside Weapons to Conflict." (NEXIS)

Inter Press Service (IPS). 2 April 1997. Gustavo Capdevila. "Zaire-Human Rights: Rapporteur Urges Investigation of Massacres." (NEXIS)

Jeune Afrique[Paris]. 4-10 June 1997. No. 1900. François Soudan. "Les serments de Kabila."

Keesing's Record of World Events[Cambridge]. February 1997. Vol. 43, No. 2. "Zaire."

Keesing's Record of World Events[Cambridge]. January 1997. Vol. 43, No. 1. "Zaire."

La Lettre Afrique Énergies[n.p.]. 5 February 1997. "Les rebelles au Shaba." (NEXIS)

La Lettre du Continent[Paris]. "La débâcle des mercenaires." (NEXIS)

La Lettre de reporters sans frontières[Paris]. 16 June 1997. No. 107. "RD Congo: des médias en sursis."

Libération[Paris]. 28 May 1997. Marie-Laure Colson. "Les partis interdits à Kinshasa."

Libération[Paris]. 24-25 May 1997. Marie-Laure Colson. "Tshisekedi appelle à résister à la dictature de Kabila."

Libération[Paris]. 20 May 1997. Stephen Smith. "Des morts sans nombre dans l'ombre de Kabila."

Libération[Paris]. 19 May 1997. "Kinshasa livrée aux mains des soldats de Kabila."

Libération[Paris]. 17-18 May 1997. Stephen Smith. "Le maréchal Mobutu abandonne le Zaïre à son rival Kabila."

Libération[Paris]. 15 May 1997. Stephen Smith. "Le sommet Mobutu-Kabila annulé."

Libération[Paris]. 14 May 1997a. Stephen Smith. "Zaïre: dernier sommet pour Mobutu Sese Seko."

Libération[Paris]. 14 May 1997b. Jean Hatzfeld. "Kinshasa à l'heure de la grande pagaille."

Libération[Paris]. 5 May 1997. "Zaïre: Mobutu annonce sa retraite, Kabila exclut un cessez-le-feu."

Libération[Paris]. 30 April 1997. Jean Hatzfeld. "Vers un sommet en pleine mer."

Libération[Paris]. 28 April 1997. Stephen Smith. "La redécouverte tardive des réfugiés rwandais."

Libération[Paris]. 25 April 1997. Marie-Laure Colson. "Réfugiés du Zaïre: l'impasse humanitaire."

Libération[Paris]. 5-6 April 1997. "Journalistes expulsés."

Libération[Paris]. 27 February 1997. Stephen Smith. "Zaïre: questions autour du 'second génocide'."

Libération[Paris]. 22 January 1997. Stephen Smith. "Rescapés de la jungle zaïroise."

La Libre Belgique[Brussels, in French]. 1-2 March 1997. Marie-France Cros. "Opposition MP: Mobutu Pays Price for Destabilizing Methods." (FBIS-AFR-97-062 3 Mar. 1997, p. 6) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...dytj0&CID=C18530273437500066225994).

La Libre Belgique[Brussels, in French]. 8-9 February 1997. Gérald Papy. "Zaire: Army Claims Fallen Towns Reconquered; Refugees on the Run." (FBIS-AFR-97-027 9 Feb. 1997, p. 7) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...xqyvo&CID=C22628784179687566221855).

Le Monde[Paris]. 31 May 1997. Frédéric Fritscher. "Courage, Papa Kabila! scandent les mamans. Où est Tshisekedi? répondent les étudiants; Dans le stade surchauffé de Kinshasa, l'ordre congolais a bien du mal à mâter la spontanéité zaïroise." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 26 May 1997. Frédéric Fritscher. "Une partie de l'opposition rejette le gouvernement formé par M. Kabila; Alors que les organisations de défense des droits de l'homme s'inquiètent des dérives autoritaires du régime installé par l'Alliance, les premières manifestations ont eu lieu dans la capitale, à l'initiative des partisans de M. Tshisekedi, ainsi que dans d'autres villes du pays." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 21 May 1997. Danielle Rouard. "Les affrontements se multiplient à la frontière avec le Rwanda."

Le Monde[Paris]. 17 May 1997. Danielle Rouard. "Goma attend la chute de Kinshasa ... et espère le départ des amis rwandais; Nous ne voulons pas que les Rwandais importent leur violence ethnique chez nous." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 16 May 1997. Frédéric Fritscher. "Dans Kinshasa, ville morte, les partisans de M. Tshisekedi font le V de la victoire." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 12 May 1997. Claude Trean. "Laurent-Désiré Kabila refuse toute enquête sur les massacres de réfugiés; Alors que les témoignages sur des exactions commises par les rebelles se multiplient, la mission désignée par l'Organisation des United Nations a été interdite d'accès aux zones contrôlées par les troupes de l'Alliance." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 26 April 1997. "Les rebelles rejettent toute responsabilité dans les massacres de réfugiés rwandais."

Le Monde[Paris]. 25 April 1997. "Plusieurs centaines de réfugiés hutus auraient été massacrés par les rebelles zaïrois."

Le Monde[Paris]. 17 April 1997a. Thomas Sotinel. "Les Katangais tiennent tête à Laurent-Désiré Kabila."

Le Monde[Paris]. 17 April 1997b. Jean Hélène. "L'armée empêche l'opposition de manifester à Kinshasa."

Le Monde[Paris]. 16 April 1997. Frédéric Fritscher. "Le chef de la rébellion zaïroise est accueilli en libérateur à Lubumbashi."

Le Monde[Paris]. 15 April 1997a. Frédéric Fritscher. "M. Kabila contrôle six des onze provinces zaïroises."

Le Monde[Paris]. 15 April 1997b. "Quarante-six Libanais bloqués à Mbuji-Mayi."

Le Monde[Paris]. 14 April 1997. Frédéric Fritscher. "Un gouvernement de salut national est mis en place à Kinshasa; La France se déclare favorable à une rencontre entre le président Mobutu et le chef des rebelles, Laurent-Désiré Kabila. Le HCR se prépare à rapatrier par avion les Hutus rwandais toujours réfugiés dans l'est du Zaïre." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 12 April 1997. Frédéric Fritscher. "Kabila, un opposant qui a su attendre son heure; Le chef de la rébellion zaïroise, soutenue par l'Ouganda, le Rwanda, le Burundi et les États-Unis, n'est pas né politiquement avec elle. La diversité de ses alliances, de Che Guevara à Amin Dada, n'a d'égale que la constance, depuis près de quarante ans, de son animosité envers Mobutu." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 5 April 1997. Frédéric Fritscher. "La rébellion refuse de participer au gouvernement de M. Tshisekedi; Le nouveau premier ministre a proposé six portefeuilles au mouvement de Laurent-Désiré Kabila, mais celui-ci a immédiatement rejeté cette offre. Des pourparlers entre les deux parties doivent commencer, samedi 5 avril, en Afrique du Sud."

Le Monde[Paris]. 4 April 1997. Frédéric Fritscher. "M. Mobutu a nommé premier ministre un de ses plus farouches opposants; Étienne Tshisekedi a aussitôt annoncé qu'avant les négociations en Afrique du Sud, il allait entamer des discussions avec les rebelles. Mais ceux-ci ont rejeté sa nomination. Ils l'avaient prévenu qu'ils le considéreraient comme un ennemi s'il acceptait le poste." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 17 February 1997. Thomas Sotinel. "La débâcle de l'armée zaïroise explique la progression des rebelles dans l'est du pays; Dans les rues de Kinshasa, les patrouilles traquent les militaires en civil. L'inefficacité des troupes est le résultat des conflits d'intérêts entre les dirigeants." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 11 February 1997. "Les rebelles progressent en direction de la capitale du Haut-Zaïre."

Le Monde[Paris]. 22 January 1997. Cornu Francis. "Kinshasa ordonne à l'armée de passer à la contre-offensive dans l'est du Zaïre; Les rebelles connaissent des difficultés et leur chef aurait été tué." (NEXIS)

Le Monde[Paris]. 14 January 1997. Isabelle Vichniac. "Les enfants rwandais toujours en exil au Zaïre meurent de faim, selon le HCR." (NEXIS)

Le Monde diplomatique[Paris]. February 1997. Colette Braeckman. "Incertitudes d'une fin de règne." [Internet] (URL: http://www.monde.diplomatique.fr./md/1997/02/Braeckman/7792.html). .

The Nando Times[London]. 16 June 1997. David Ljunggren. "Aid Group Say Kabila's Troops Massacred Hutus." [Internet] (URL: http://www.nando.net/newsroom/ntn/world/061697/world31_22447.html). .

New African[London]. June 1997. François Misser. "Kabila Must Watch His Back."

The New Vision[Kampala]. 3 July 1997. "Kabila Blocks UN Probe." [Internet] (URL: http://www. africanews.org/central/zaire/19970703_feat1.html).

The New Vision[Kampala]. 21 January 1997. Emmy Allio and Gilbert Awekofua. "Zaire: Rebels Capture Border Town; Ready for Government Attack." (FBIS-AFR-97-013 21 Jan. 1997, p. 1) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...hyas5&CID=C65148925781250066208337).

The New York Times. 13 July 1997. Howard W. French. "In Congo Many Chafe Under Rule of Kabila"

The New York Times. 29 May 1997. James C. Mckinley Jr. "Congo Soldiers Break Up Sparse Protest Against New President." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 27 May 1997. James C. McKinley Jr. "Kabila Bans Party Activity in Kinshasa." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 25 May 1997. "Troops in Congo Break Up Anti-Kabila Protests."

The New York Times. 24 May 1997. Howard W. French. "Congo Leader's Cabinet Ignites Protests."

The New York Times. 18 May 1997. Howard W. French. "With Mobutu out, Rebel Chief Takes Over."

The New York Times. 14 May 1997. Raymond Bonner. "New Refugee Crisis Builds in Zaire." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 5 May 1997. Howard W. French. "Zairain Foes Meet but Fail to Agree on End to Crisis."

The New York Times. 29 April 1997. Barbara Crossette. "U.N. Says It Has Evidence of Killing of Rwanda Refugees." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 1 April 1997a. James C. McKinley Jr. "Mobutu's Nemesis Keeps His Plans to Himself." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 1 April 1997b. Garry Pierre-Pierre. "Zaire Rebels Take Over Key Towns Unopposed." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 18 February 1997. James C. McKinley Jr. "Zairian Military Jets Bomb Civilians in Rebel-Held Town." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 9 February 1997. Howard W. French. "Zaire Haven for Refugees May Be Safe No Longer." (NEXIS)

The New York Times. 4 January 1997. "2 Rebel Factions Clash in Eastern Zaire." (NEXIS)

The Ottawa Citizen. 24 May 1997. Andrew Maykuth. "Kabila's Troops Fire on Protesters."

The Ottawa Citizen. 7 April 1997. Louise Tunbrigde. "UN to Airlift Rwandan Refugees from Zaire: High Commissioner Calls Aid Project a 'Race Against Time to Save Lives'." (NEXIS)

The Ottawa Citizen. 13 February 1997. Karin Davies. "Zairean Rebels Recruit Teenagers: Leader Promises to Oust President." (NEXIS)

Panafrican News Agency (PANA). 9 July 1997. "UN to Send Team to Zaire." [Internet] (URL: http://www. africanews.org/PANA/news/19970709/feat2.html).

Panafrican News Agency (PANA). 7 July 1997. "Corpses Litter Kinshasa Streets." [Internet] (URL: http://www. africanews.org/central/zaire/19970707_feat1.html).

Radio France Internationale (RFI) [Paris, in French]. 26 June 1997. "Zaire: DRCongo Newspaper Premises Ransacked."

Radio France Internationale (RFI) [Paris, in French]. 4 April 1997. "Zaire: Group of Foreign Journalists Expelled from Lubumbashi." (FBIS-AFR-97-095 5 Apr. 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...ez4ml&CID=C29510498046875067182628).

Radio France Internationale (RFI) [Paris, in French]. 16 January 1997. "Zaire: Humanitarian Organizations Leave Amisi Refugee Camp." (FBIS-AFR-97-012 16 Jan. 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...7int0&CID=C22628784179687566221855).

Radio of the People. [Bukavu, in French]. 15 January 1997. "Leader of Mai-Mai Group Pledges Support for AFDL Rebels." (BBC Summary 17 Jan. 1997/NEXIS)

Reuters. 7 July 1997. "Thirteen Killed in Attacks in Kinshasa-Minister." [Internet] (URL: http://biz.yahoo.com.finance/97/07/07/zoo9_306.html).

Reuters. 27 June 1997. Richard Meares. "Congo Protests After Kabila Arrests Rival." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int/emergenc/greatlak/source/reuters/news/270697.h…).

Reuters. 10 June 1997. Elif Kaban. "US Envoy: Killings Continuing in Former Zaire." [Internet] (URL: http://www.yahoo.com/headlines/special/zairebs/zairebs.133.html).

Reuters. 6 June 1997. Matthew Tostevin. "U.S. Envoy in Congo Amid Anti-Kabila Protest." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int./emergenc/...ak/reuters/news/060697.html).

Reuters. 29 May 1997. Matthew Tostevin. "Kabila investi président promet des élections en avril 1999." [Internet] (URL: http://www.yahoo.fr/actualite/970529/international/864926100-0000000784…).

Reuters. 28 May 1997. "Kabila Soldiers Break Up Banned March." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int/emergenc/greatlak/source/reuters/news/280597a…).

Reuters. 27 May 1997. Arthur Malu-Malu. "Congo - Les partisans de Tshisekedi défient Kabila." [Internet] (URL: http://www.yahoo.fr/actualite/970527/international/864745920-0000005962…).

Reuters. 18 May 1997. "Zaire Rebels Cheered; Peace Seen in Kinshasa." [Internet] (URL: http://www.yahoo.com/headlines/970518/news/stories/zaire_41.html).

Reuters. 5 May 1997. BC Cycle. Buchizya Mseteka. "Rebels Say Will Chase Out Mobutu Unless He Resigns." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 28 April 1997. BC Cycle. David Fox. "Aid Workers in Zaire Find Thousands of Refugees." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 20 April 1997. BC Cycle. "Zaire Rebels Agree to Release Lebanon Hostages." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 11 April 1997. BC Cycle. "Zairean Soldiers Beat, Threaten Foreign Reporters." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 5 April 1997. BC Cycle. Richard Meares. "Back to Work, Zaire Rebels Tell Fallen Mbuji-Mayi." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 11 March 1997. BC Cycle. Matthew Tostevin. "Zaire Rebels Announce Advances in North and South." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 7 March 1997. "Troops Disperse Zaire March." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int./emergenc/...k/source/reuters/news/070397.html).

Reuters. 3 March 1997. BC Cycle. Matthew Tostevin. "Zaire Rebels Deny Massacres of Hutus." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 28 February 1997. BC Cycle. "Zaire Officer Jailed for Trading Arms to Rebels." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 22 February 1997. BC Cycle. "Zaire's Mobutu Shuffles Army High Command." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 18 February 1997. BC Cycle. "UN to Set Up New Camp for Fleeing Zaire Refugees." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 20 February 1997. BC Cycle. "Rights Group Accuses Zaire of Gross Abuses." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 16 February 1997. BC Cycle. Mark Dodd. "Zaire Civilians, Soldiers Flee to Tanzania." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 14 February 1997. BC Cycle. "Zaire Bans Protests for Duration of War." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 13 February 1997. BC Cycle. Buchizya Mseteka. "Zairean Rebels Claim Town in Far Northeast." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 10 February 1997a. BC Cycle. Buchizya Mseteka. "Zairean Rebels Said Advancing on Three Fronts."

Reuters. 10 February 1997b. BC Cycle. Arthur Malu-Malu. "Wide Support for Zaire Opposition Strike." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 8 February 1997. BC Cycle. Buchizya Mseteka. "Hundreds of Teenagers Enlist with Zaire Rebel Group." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 3 February 1997. BC Cycle. "Zaire Calls 15-Year-Olds to Join War." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 21 January 1997. BC Cycle. Arthur Malu-Malu. "Zaire Prime Minister Orders Thrust Against Rebels." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 12 January 1997. BC Cycle. Matthew Tostevin. "Rebellion Looks for Direction in Zaire's Jungle." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 7 January 1997. BC Cycle. Matthew Tostevin. "Zaire Rebels Step Up Fight Against Former Allies." (NEXIS)

Save the Children Fund/UK. 1 June 1997. "Summary of SCF-UK Activities Apr - May 1997." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int./emergenc/.../source/scf_uk/sitreps/010697.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 15 July 1997. Colette Braeckman. "Tu critiques Kabila, tu disparais à Kinshasa ...." [Internet] (URL: http://www. lesoir.com/DF92.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 10 July 1997. "Kagamé a bel et bien aidé Kabila, en hommes et armes." [Internet] (URL: http://www. lesoir.com/D2DA.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 9 July 1997. "Congo: réactions de l'UDPS." [Internet] (URL: http://www. lesoir.com/CE8E.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 3 July 1997. Pascal Martin. "Kinshasa renoue avec la torture." [Internet] (URL: http://www. lesoir.com/B742.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 28 June 1997. "Congo: 'on' a voulu intimider Tshisekedi." [Internet] (URL: http://www.lesoir.com/LESOIR-3/30412.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 27 June 1997. "Tshisekedi emmené par l'armée à Kinshasa." [Internet] (URL: http://www.lesoir.com/A2D2.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 13 June 1997. "Kinshasa: un étudiant abattu par des soldats." [Internet] (URL: http://www.lesoir.com/LESOIR-1/2CBBA.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 2 June 1997. "Réfugiés: le ton monte entre Kabila et l'ONU." [Internet] (URL: http://www.lesoir.com/55DA.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 31 May 1997. "Kinshasa accorde à Kabila le bénéfice du doute." [Internet] (URL: http://www.lesoir.com/LESOIR-1/2CC52.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 29 May 1997. "Manifestation réprimée à Kinshasa." [Internet] (URL: http://www.lesoir.com/495A.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 26 May 1997. "'Green Stream': retour du Congo." [Internet] (URL: http://www.lesoir.com/3F22.html).

Le Soir[Brussels]. 21 May 1997. "Combien de morts dans l'ombre de Kabila?" [Internet] (URL: http://www.lesoir.com/DOSSIERS/9152.html).

The Star(Internet Version) [Johannesburg]. 19 June 1997. "South Africa: Zairian Nationals Fleeing 'Persecution' Seek Asylum." (FBIS-AFR-97-170 19 June 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...bw2kz&CID=C29510498046875067182628).

Télé-Zaïre [Kinshasa]. 11 June 1997. "Zaire: Students Protest Arrest of Director; 20 Detained." (FBIS-AFR-97-162 11 June 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re..._01;540372;&docname=)ebolr5041welj).

The Times[London]. 21 January 1997. Sam Kiley. "Leader of Anti-Mobutu Rebels Killed in Ambush by Allies." (NEXIS)

The Toronto Star. 17 May 1997. Bob Drogin and Mary Williams. "Zairean Dictator Slips Away in Silence: Rebels So Certain of Victory, Some Pause for a Beer on Road to Capital." (NEXIS)

United Nations. Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Integrated Regional Information Network for the Great Lakes Region. 14 July 1997. "IRIN Weekly Roundup 12-97 of Main Events in the Great Lakes Region Covering the Period 8-14 July 1997." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int/emergenc/greatlak/source/dha/irin_wru/140797.h…).

United Nations. Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Integrated Regional Information Network for the Great Lakes Region. 9 July 1997. "IRIN Emergency Update No. 208 on the Great Lakes." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int/emergenc/greatlak/source/dha/misc_sr/090797.ht…).

United Nations. Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Integrated Regional Information Network for the Great Lakes Region. 8 July 1997. "IRIN Emergency Update No. 207 on the Great Lakes." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int/emergenc/greatlak/source/dha/misc_sr/080797.ht…).

United Nations. Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Integrated Regional Information Network for the Great Lakes Region. 26 June 1997. "Democratic Republic of Congo: Government List 26 June 1997." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int./emergenc/greatlak/source/dha/evaluat/260697.h…).

United Nations. Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Integrated Regional Information Network for the Great Lakes Region. 2 June 1997. "IRIN Roundup 6-97 of Main Events in the Great Lakes Region." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int./emergenc/greatlak/source/dha/irin_wru/020697…).

United Nations. Department of Humanitarian Affairs, Integrated Regional Information Network for the Great Lakes Region. 23 May 1997. "IRIN Emergency Update No. 180 on the Great Lakes." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int./emergenc/...lak/source/dha/misc_sr/230597.html).

United Nations. Economic and Social Council. Commission on Human Rights. 2 April 1997. Rapport sur la situation des droits de l'homme au Zaïre, présenté par M. Roberto Garretón, Rapporteur spécial, conformément à la résolution 1996/77 de la Commission. Rapport sur la mission dont l'envoi a été demandé par le Haut Commissaire aux droits de l'homme dans la zone occupée par les rebelles dans l'est du Zaïre, effectuée entre le 25 mars et le 29 mars 1997. (E/CN.4/1997/6/Add.2).

The United Press International (UPI). 8 July 1997. "U.N. Sends New Rights Team to Congo." [Internet] (URL: http://biz.yahoo.com/upi/97/07/08/international_news/congoun_1.html).

The United Press International (UPI). 27 April 1997. BC Cycle. "Zairean Rebels Free 45 Lebanese." (NEXIS)

United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 23 May 1997. "Great Lakes Complex Emergency Situation Report #36, FY 1997." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int./emergenc/...ak/source/ofda/sitrepes/230597.ht…).

United States Information Agency (USIA). 8 July 1997. "Annan Sending Human Rights Team to DROC." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int/emergenc/greatlak/source/usia/news/080797.html).

Voice of America. 16 June 1997. John Pitman. "Reports of Summary Executions in Kinshasa." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int./emergenc/greatlak/source/voa/news/160697.html).

Voice of America. 9 April 1997. Purnell Murdock. "New Prime Minister Appointed." [Internet] (URL: http://www.reliefweb.int./emergenc/greatlak/source/voa/news/090397.html).

Voix du Zaïre [Kinshasa, in French]. 3 February 1997. "Zaire: Youth Recruitement Begins; Ugandan, Rwandan Soldiers Tried" (FBIS-AFR-97-024 3 Feb. 1997) [Internet] (URL: http://wnc.fedworld.gov/cgi-bin/re...081zk&CID=C22628784179687566221855).

Voix du Zaïre [Kinshasa, in French]. 9 April 1997. "Mobutu Appoints Regional Military Governors" (BBC Summary 10 Apr. 1997/NEXIS)

The Washington Post. 9 July 1997. John Pomfret. "Rwandans Led Revolt in Congo." [Internet] (URL: http://search.washingtonpost.com/w...te/1997-07/09/068L-070997-idx.html).

The Washington Post. 28 June 1997. John Pomfret. "Congo Opposition Leader Released." [Internet] (URL: http://search.washingtonpost.com/w...te/1997-06/28/075L-062897-idx.html).

The Washington Post. 27 June 1997. John Pomfret. "Troops Seize Congolese Leader's Rival." [Internet] (URL: http://search.washingtonpost.com/w...te/1997-06/27"141L-062797-idx.html).

The Washington Post. 23 June 1997. Dianna Cahn. "Congo Residents Report Abuses." [Internet] (URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-s...O/19970623/V000921-062397-idx.html).

The Washington Post. 21 June 1997. "UN Team Arrives in Congo to Probe Alleged Massacres." [Internet] (URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-s...O/19970623/V000921-062397-idx.html).

The Washington Post. 18 June 1997. John Pomfret. "Congolese Learning New Rulers' New Ways." [Internet] (URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-s...te/1997-06/18/106L-061897-idx.html).

The Washington Post. 19 May 1997. Lynne Duke. "Victorious Rebels Pour into Kinshasa; Some Mobutu Supporters Killed." (NEXIS)

The Washington Post. 5 May 1997. David Fox. "100 Refugees Killed in Crush on Zaire Train; Rwandans Overcrowd Rebels." (NEXIS)

The Washington Post. 7 April 1997. James Rupert. "Zairian Sides Start Peace Talks in South Africa; President Mobutu Offers Conciliatory Words but Rebels Have Few Incentives for Accord." (NEXIS)

The Washington Post. 9 February 1997. Stephen Buckley. "Gaining Ground, Rebels Move to Take Major City in Eastern Zaire; Guerillas Put Ruler on the Offensive." (NEXIS)

The Washington Times. 23 April 1997. "Lebanese Dependents Evacuated from Zaire." (NEXIS)

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[1]1.           This chronology uses the name Zaire to refer to the country before 17 May 1997, when it was officially renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo.

[2]2.           The AFDL, led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila, was the prime mover in a rebellion that started in eastern Zaire in October 1996 (AFP 3 Feb. 1997a; The Christian Science Monitor 24 Feb. 1997). The AFDL was reportedly composed of Zairian elements opposed to President Mobutu (AFP 3 Feb. 1997a), particularly in the Shaba and Kasai regions, as well as Tutsi Banyamulenges (Keesing's Jan. 1997, 41431; Le Monde diplomatique Feb. 1997; Reuters 7 Jan. 1997). The Mai-Mai, warriors traditionally hostile to the Tutsis, also joined the ranks of the AFDL in the struggle to overthrow the existing regime (ibid.). According to some sources, the AFDL was supported by the armed forces of Rwanda (Africa Confidential 3 Jan. 1997, 2; The Dallas Morning News 27 Apr. 1997; The Christian Science Monitor 24 Feb. 1997) and Uganda (ibid.).

[3]3.           According to RFI, there were about 40,000 refugees in the Amisi camp, which is located in the Lubutu region, about 170 km to the north of Kisangani (16 Jan. 1997), while a 14 January Le Monde report estimated that there were about 60,000 refugees in the camp (14 Jan. 1997).

[4]4.           Strategically located, Kisangani was the Zairian army's base for its counter-offensive (The Washington Post 9 Feb. 1997, A28; Le Monde 11 Feb. 1997, 2; Reuters 10 Feb. 1997b).

[5]5.           Bafwaboli is located 100 km east of Kisangani (Africa News 28 Feb. 1997).

[6]6.           Kamina is located 400 km to the northwest of Lubumbashi, the capital of Shaba (AFP 31 Mar. 1997).

[7]7.           For more information on the human rights situation following the rebel takeover, please see the 10 June 1997 AZADHO bulletin. Voix des sans voix reports 318 executions since the rebel takeover (Voice of America 16 June 1997) while AZADHO puts the number at 647 (10 June 1997, 2). The executions reportedly occurred in Kinshasa and on the road leading to Bandundu (ibid.). The authorities deny AZADHO's allegations (ibid.; CHC-Nairobi 14-18 June 1997, 7).

[8]8.           For more information on the new regime, please see Response to Information Request ZAR27047.FEX, published on 3 June 1997.