Civil War Threat Flares In Congo

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29382, 8 December 1960, Page 17

Civil War Threat Flares In Congo

(Rec. 8 p.m.) LEOPOLDVILLE, December 7. The threat of civil war is flaring in the Congo with troops of Colonel Joseph Mobutu clashing with rebels seeking to avenge the arrest of Mr Lumumba.

The rebels swept out from Stanleyville, the Orientale Province capital, which is held by pro-Lumumba forces, and swept down on three villages in Equateur Province, the home of Colonel Mobutu.

Two villagers were killed in the raids, according to some reports. Colonel Mobutu flew reinforcements to Equateur. The neighbouring Orientale Province has closed its border. Special permission is required from the proLumumba Stanleyville District Commissioner to leave the province.

The immediate aim of the proLumumba forces is not clear, but Congolese authorities in Leopoldville fear the new leaders in Stanleyville might be planning some territorial expansion, British United Press said.

Last week-end, Mr Bernard Salumu, a Lumumba supporter, declared Orientale Province independent. He established himself in Stanleyville with the help of 500 police. The Congo Information Commissioner (Mr Albert Bolela) said in Leopoldville the secession reports “do not frighten us. Certain measures are being taken to free our brothers in the Orientale Province.’*

Mr Lumumba is still in Thysville military camp after his capture by Mobutu troops.

Speaking to reporters, Colonel Mobutu described reports of excessively violent treatment of Mr Lumumba as “odious and scandalous” and added: “He was in the hands of soldiers, what do you expect?” Colonel Mobutu said Mr Lumumba had a swelling over his left eye and on his left leg. But he and his eight companions were in “satisfactory” health. Each of the prisoners had his own cell and mattress and three servants were employed to prepare meals. Colonel Mobutu claimed that Mr Lumumba had escaped from his residence in Leopoldville with United Nations complicity. He added that Mr Lumumba had four wives—“one of them legal,” American Associated Press reported. One wife—the real one —was arrested with Mr Lumumba at Port Francqui last week. Colonel Mobutu said. The second fled from Leopoldville on a Congo river boat. The third was discovered hiding in a Leopoldville flat. The fourth lived in Brussels, Colonel Mobutu claimed. He also confirmed that the Council of High Commissioners, which he set up to rule the country when he neutralised Parliament and the Government, will become a provisional Government from. January 1, Originally he wanted the neutralisation period to end on December 31.