This is Steve Ember with In the News in VOA Special English.
The United Nations isinvestigating reports that Rwandan soldiers attacked civilians lastmonth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The violationsreportedly happened during a Rwandan military campaign against Huturebels in eastern Congo. People say armed men, thought to beRwandans, attacked civilians and burned houses.
Rwanda has repeatedly threatened to send troops across the borderto kill Hutu extremists. Many of the Hutus fled to Congo aftertaking part in the killings in Rwanda in nineteen ninety-four. Abouteight hundred thousand minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus werekilled.
The United Nations has condemned reports of Rwandan militaryoperations in eastern Congo. On Tuesday, the Security Council calledon Rwanda to immediately withdraw any troops it may have there. Thecouncil warned that it would consider actions against individualswho try to harm the peace process in Congo.
Many Congolese blame the current situation on the U.N.peacekeeping operation in Congo, known as MONUC. Critics say many ofthe soldiers are poorly trained and lack the will, and theequipment, to do the job. There have even been reports of sex crimesagainst children by members of the peacekeeping force.
On Wednesday, Rwanda said it had deployed troops along the borderlast month. But it denied sending them into Congo. Rwanda hascriticized Congo and the United Nations for failing to disarm theHutu fighters.
The Congolese government has sent more troops to eastern Congo.
Rwanda invaded Congo in nineteen ninety-six and nineteenninety-eight. The second attack led to a five-year civil war inCongo. Several other countries in the area also got involved.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo was called Zaire untilnineteen ninety-seven.
In two thousand two a peace agreement was signed. Rwandan troopsleft Congo. But since then, not much has been done to disarm theHutu rebels, as called for by the peace agreement.
The International Rescue Committee says the natural mineralwealth of Congo continues to be stolen. Basic health needs, waterand schooling remain limited. Also, many families have beenterrorized by armed groups.
The International Rescue Committee said this week that close tofour million people in Congo have died since nineteen ninety-eightas a result of the crisis. Most have died from hunger and disease.
The committee says more U.N. troops are needed to disarm andarrest Rwandan Hutu fighters. It also says Congo is not receivingenough international aid.
Congo is currently ruled by a temporary coalition government.Some signs of economic recovery have been reported since the warofficially ended. President Joseph Kabila says general electionswill take place next year.
In the News, in VOA Special English, was written by Cynthia Kirk.