The threat by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels, in eastern DRC, persistently continues with the rebels latest ambush and killing of Congolese government forces (FARDC).

Notably, two DRC army officers – a major and a captain, were reportedly killed by the FDLR in North Kivu early last week, with several others injured in related skirmishes.

Other reports indicate that about six more Congolese soldiers died in a separate attack.

MONUC military spokesman Lt. Col. Jean-Paul Dietrich confirmed this to The New Times, yesterday, as well as what he said was a security vacuum in several areas of the vast DRC’s troubled east.

"That (FDLR killing of Congolese soldiers) is correct, and they (FDLR) are also attacking the population. Their aim is to create instability, to get international attention, to put pressure on FARDC.”

The revelation comes amidst reports that FDLR elements continue using hundreds of Congolese civilians as human shields; holding them hostage, particularly in several localities of an area called Shabunda in South Kivu province.

"It is not possible to have troops – police and army, everywhere and the population in those areas is the most vulnerable. They are going after the local population to keep up this kind of terror.”

As the joint MONUC-FARDC military operation (operation Kimia II) against the rebels unravels, the FDLR are also reported to have erected several barriers, preventing locals from fleeing their villages and river passages have also been cut off.

The rebels are said to be torturing and mistreating the population under their control.

David Nthengwe, the UN Refugee Agency - UNHCR External Relations Officer in Goma could not confirm this.

"We are unable to confirm your information since we too are not in the areas where reported attacks are taking place. Should we however hear of anything concrete we will inform you,” Nthengwe responded yesterday.

Expounding on the apparent security vacuum, Dietrich noted that preparations for operation Kimia II had recently concluded but large scale operations had not yet begun.

Dietrich also noted some, ‘administrative challenges’ in the FARDC, even though, he said, these were being addressed.

Some elements in the Congolese army are said to have recently mutinied over issues such as payment and, fired at MONUC forces.

"There have been some problems in the past few days but the FARDC hierarchy tried to calm them down. There are some administrative challenges,” Dietrich said.

Ends