DR Congo - Latest on conflict in Congo

(31 Aug 1998) T/I: 10:13:38


Angolan and Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) troops took back control of the western port city of Matadi over the weekend after rebel forces trying to oust President Laurent Kabila reportedly deserted their positions. Rebels abandoned the strategic Congolese port town and dispersed into the surrounding forest, leaving Angolan and DR Congo troops to take control. Matadi was one of the last major rebel strongholds and its loss is a severe blow to the insurgent force that had been making progress towards the capital, about 350 kilometers (215 miles) northeast of the port town.

SHOWS:

MATADI, DR CONGO 30/08:

Aerial shot Matadi;
MS Angolan soldiers and DR Congo soldiers;
SOT, Faustin Munene, Interior minister DR Congo, in French: "The armed forces have taken control of the whole south western border area with Angola. We cannot accept the Songololo situation - there has been too much fighting - too much resistance because of UNITA support for the rebels";
Meeting between Angolan Army chief of staff and DR Congo Chief of staff Josef Kabila, president Kabila's son;
GVs view of port area at Matadi;
GVs burning warehouse;
Shots of dam to the west of town;
SOT, General Joao de Matos, Angolan chief of staff, in Spanish: "The Angolan forces came to help the legitimate government of the Democratic Government of Congo. At the same time we are defending vital Angolan interests."

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