THREATS TO MOBUTU’S REGIME IN CONGO

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29398, 28 December 1960, Page 9

THREATS TO MOBUTU’S REGIME IN CONGO

Politicians Restive; Kivu May Fall To Rebels

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

(Rec. 11 p.m.)

LEOPOLDVILLE, December 27.

The Congo “strong man,” Colonel Joseph Mobutu, was harassed from two sides today. Pro-Lumumba commandos kidnapped the entire provincial government of Kivu province; and in Leopoldville, politicians pressed hard for a return to Parliamentary rule in the Congo. The raid on Kivu was carried out under the orders of Mr Antoine Gizenga, Mr Lumumba’s deputy, who has taken over control of Orientale province. Any extension of his power to Kivu would leave Colonel Mobutu with control over only three of the Congo's six provinces.

A United Nations spokesman saiid in Leopoldville that most of the kidnapped officials were released, but four were taken to Stanleyville, the capital of Orientale province, where Mi Gizenga, claiming to be Mr Lumumba’s successor, has set up a rebel government. Replying to politicians’ demands in Leopoldville, Colonel Mobutu said he would release Mr Lumumba if the politicians insisted on reverting to political rule.

He added that he would “let all the politicians settle affairs among themselves.”

Colonel Mobutu brought Parliamentary life to a standstill when he took control of the country in September. He made his statement as talks began between the commissioners he appointed to run the country and the proposed Government of President Kasavubu’s candidate. Mr Joseph Ileo. The talks are

being held to find a way of government for tlie Congo. Colonel Mobutu is thought to be planning to transfer Mr Lumumba to Boma, in the west of Leopoldville province, from his present prison at a military camp at Thysville. Mr Lumumba has been reported to be offering his guards money in a bid to win his freedom.

Colonel Mobutu’s security chief (Mr Gilbert Pongo) yesterday announced he has arrested two leading Government officials on charges of “illegal contacts" with Russia and Communist China. Both men will be tried for crimes against State security, the security chief said.

In Elisabethville. the United’ Nations Congo command and the Government of the breakaway State of Katanga firmly cemented their five-week-old peace pact. Talks lasting nearly four hours produced “complete agreement on matters of mutual interest.” sources from both sides reported.