Fri, Apr 16, 2004 - Page 7 News List

Congo's power-sharing deal keeps fragile peace

AP , KINSHASA, CONGO

The first battalion of a newly unified national army has graduated from a Belgian-run training program. It has yet to be armed.

Nationwide disarmament plans are still in limbo.

"Despite initial progress in national reunification, the peace process is facing daunting challenges," chiefly whether the transitional leaders can overcome "an atmosphere of distrust" and become a unified government, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned in his latest report on the country.

Tensions hit a new high March 28, when hours of gunfire rattled through the crumbling streets of humid tropical capital for the first time in years.

Diplomats and authorities say about 40 men launched simultaneous, pre-dawn attacks on four military bases in the city, and fled after troops loyal to Kabila stepped in.

Two weeks later, it's still unclear who they were. Theories include a coup attempt by ex-combatants, a mutiny by unpaid troops or, as Ngizo believes, stage-managed violence aimed at derailing the peace process to put off elections.

"Those who have power want to hold onto it as long as possible," Ngizo said.

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