pandorra in Congo

some of you might be well aware that in eastern congo there is constant and now increasing unrest, since the rebelgroup around Lt Nkunda captured the city of Goma and is keeping the congolese army under fire. That part of congo isnt very far from South-Western Uganda, and we had an influx of around 3000 refugees now so far (increasing though). so not noticable at all in kampala.
BUT: although rebel activities have been ongoing since some months, there is a chance that it will be become a more regional conflict.

• the rebel activities (Tustsi) against congolese army and Huti-milicia have their clear roots in the Rwanda genozoide. so the rebels are supported by Rwanda government, which is also a good partner of Ugandan president.
• however there is still unsolved conflict in the congolese- north ugandan border, which Lt Nkunda accused to much interference from neighbors
• congolese army is supported by armies from 2 african countries; Angola and zimbabwe. very unlikely allies, but if you know that China has a contratc with congo governemnt about more then 4 bl $ for getting resources, and is selling weapons to them you can clearly see the combination

SO? IS IT ALL ABOUT RESOURCES ???? very sure!!

• france is loosing its strength& politcial power in Rwanda and congo as well, (also through the genozide) and is struggeling to keep it. and has not played the best role in supporting UN/ Hutu milicia. while France is a steady member of UN Security council, it is also in charge of UN peace keepers. Since 2 months Uganda is the african representative, and both follow very different interests in the region. Now also Germany has contributed a step stone, by arresting last week a high rwanadan offical who was under french arrest request.

ADDITIONALLY IT IS ALSO ABOUT DIPLOMATIC AND POLITICAL POWER in the region.
so far, i dont see any problems for Uganda, and any insecurity upcoming.

WHEN 2 ELEPHANTS ARE FIGHTING, ITS THE GRASS THAT SUFFERS (swahili saying)
Because the ones who affected are again the normal population, having suffered enormusly by the unstustainable lowpaid extraction the local gold/metal resources, and the brutal luting & Raping by both rebels , government army and milicia, and finding themselved between tribal, regional and now even global fights for power.