Reference :
V-F-CR-F-00626-R
Date :
07/2000
Title :
Kisangani : civilians caught in the crossfire
Duration :
00:09:33
Editor :
unknown
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
reserved users only
ICRC producer :
none
Description :
It is now a month since the town of Kisangani suffered under six days of intensive fighting. Between 5 and 11 June, Ugandan forces, clashed against Rwandan forces, supported by Congolese rebels from the Congolese Rally for Democracy (CRD) for the control of Kisangani - the town north of Kivu with approximately 500,000 inhabitants. In Kisangani, the quarter of Tshopo and the surrounding area has been particularly affected by this "6 day war". Thousands of residents, who had sought refuge in the bush, are now having to repair and rehabilitate homes which were destroyed or damaged in the fighting. They are helped out with material such as plastic sheets and blankets provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Although there is an evident lack of goods in the market, cycle taxis - the principle means of transport - are an indication that the streets of Kisangani are returning to every day life. Rebels from the Congolese Rally for Democracy (CRD) are the only armed elements now left in Kisangani after Ugandan and Rwandan forces withdrew from the city following signature of the truce. These combatants are deployed to patrol the streets to ensure respect of the cease-fire. The bridge of Tshopo, crossing the Tshopo river and from where the Ugandan troops first entered the town, is used daily by people returning to the town carrying fruit, vegetables and personal belongings. On the river itself, evaluations are conducted by boat to identify those displaced people who have not yet returned to Kisangani. The ICRC and volunteers of the Kisangani Red Cross have also collected and buried hundreds of decomposing bodies which have been left lying by the side of the road. The ICRC believes that at least 619 civilians and 141 soldiers died in the week long fighting. 219 bodies have also been exhumed and transported to the cemetery for re-burial. These bodies were buried too close to human habitation and were considered a threat to public health.
English title :
Kisangani : civilians caught in the crossfire
Colour/B&W :
colour
Original material/format :
Betacam SP
Best material/format available :
Digital Betacam
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