Congo conflict heats up despite presence of UN troops
Last Updated: Saturday, June 7, 2003 | 9:23 PM ET
CBC News
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Blake Lambert reports for CBC Radio
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Hundreds of people fled their homes when Lendu fighters attacked positions held by the Hema tribe, a rival ethnic rival group represented by the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC).
The Lendu militia lost positions to the UPC about 10 days ago.
On Friday, several dozen French troops flew in to prepare for the peacekeepers, who are supposed to reinforce some 750 UN troops deployed in the town.
- FROM JUNE 6, 2003: UN forces arrive in Congo, UNICEF raises alarm
The UN troops now on the ground have been unable to stop the fighting. Those troops don't have a mandate to protect the non-combatants.
Saturday's fighting is the first since a May 16 ceasefire signed between the Lendu and Hema. That agreement ended a week of combat in which more than 500 died.
Fighting in the region has been going on since 1998. Millions have died in the conflict.
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