Kabila Forces Not In Control of Libenge

"I am fairly certain that two bombs were dropped in Gemena," one CNS source said, "but still have no specifics as to casualties, damage or what people are doing," the source added. The United Nations Friday condemned the government's escalation of the war via Voice of America radio and Radio France. Gemena has a population of approximately 80,000 people.

Libenge is located between Bangui in Central African Republic (CAR) and Gemena, one of the mission operations that is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Two weeks ago CNS reported advances by Kabila's government forces into the communities of Imesse and Dongou, located along the Ubangi River. At that time, it was also reported that Catholic sisters from Libenge had crossed into CAR in anticipation of Kabila's latest move.

Early reports indicated that forces loyal to President Kabila were attempting to move further into territory held by rebel forces under the leadership of Jean P. Bemba, head of the Movement to Liberate Congo. However, the source said fighting appears to remain localized along the Ubangi River.

Kabila's boats are reported to be active near the Kala mission, formerly operated by the Evangelical Free Church, and the port of Mogalo. "There seems to be little resistance from rebel forces in the area," a source in the region told CNS. "Continue to pray."

Bemba's forces reportedly withdrew from Imesse and Dongou to avoid the needless loss of life due to shelling by Kabila's boats, one source advised earlier. It is not known if the most recent movement is part of a continued voluntary withdrawal strategy. "Even though news is sketchy, God knows the events and the needs, and we can continue to pray that he will work in and through his people," the source added. "The church in Congo is requesting prayer for an end to the war and for protection during the war."

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