Truce Holds, Kinshasa Calm

The Congo's capital is relatively calm under the patrol of United Nations and European troops. The Congolese troops have been ordered back to their barracks. The violence that flared up between the Kabila and Bemba camps has subsided since a cease-fire agreement brokered by MONUC on Tuesday. Although a truce is in place, Jean Pierre Bemba remains under United Nations protection.

Businesses have reopened and the people of Kinshasa are back on the streets. It is not entirely clear who initiated the conflict. Nonetheless, what has been demonstrated over the past few days is the SHARP difference between the Congolese people and the so-called leaders who have held an entire population hostage to violence and depredation. Congo deserves better!