US, Belgian, British, French and Portuguese forces based in Congo were standing by to evacuate expatriates from Kinshasa if necessary and South Korea said it would temporarily close its embassy in the Zairean capital from tomorrow. The UN is to pull out all but essential staff from Kinshasa, which has now been declared Phase 4 security risk. Aid agencies however say that despite the problems of access and other obstacles imposed by the ADFL, the repatriation operation from Kisangani is going well. According to a DHA report, these include rehabilitating educational facilities and the health and transport infrastructure, agricultural support, environmental issues such as reforestation and economic and social programmes including the reintegration of refugees and displaced people. Ndizeye denied making the comments, but tendered his resignation in the interests of the nation, ABP said.
Observers say the report had contributed to the worsening relations between Burundi and Rwanda.
Burundi's cabinet reshuffle earlier this week, which brought in six new ministers, was aimed at including more technocrats in the government, according to Burundian radio. Secondly, on the economic front it was a case of taking advantage of the easing of sanctions to strengthen government capability, particularly in the commercial and transport sectors, he said. There has been more violence in southern Burundi. Military sources said 102 rebels were killed on Monday night after launching an attack on a farm in Rutovu commune, Bururi province. Two civilians were also killed and two wounded, along with four soldiers injured.