Military

DATE=5-16-2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=D-R-C/CEASE-FIRE (S)

NUMBER=2-303291

BYLINE=KATY SALMON

DATELINE=NAIROBI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Rival militia groups that have been fighting for control of the eastern Congolese town of Bunia signed a cease-fire in Tanzania Friday. Katy Salmon reports from V-O-A's East Africa Bureau in Nairobi, the cease-fire is due to take effect at midnight local time (22 UTC).

TEXT: Representatives of five militia groups from the rival Hema and Lendu ethnic groups, as well as the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, signed the cease-fire agreement in the Tanzanian capital, Dar es Salaam.

They agreed to demilitarize the town of Bunia, in eastern Congo, where the last week of fierce fighting has raised fears of a possible genocide. Hundreds of civilians have been killed, and tens-of-thousands displaced, as rival groups have fought for control of the town.

Now, the Hema and Lendu militia have agreed to send their fighters to camps, to allow aid workers to provide humanitarian assistance, and to allow the deployment of a United Nations force to maintain the peace.

The signatories to Friday's agreement also promised not to allow any more foreign involvement in the fighting in Bunia. Rwanda and Uganda have both been accused of stoking trouble in eastern Congo. (Signed)

NEB/KS/AWP/FC/TW