Mandela Presses for Peace Talks as Foreign Troops Enter Congo
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KINSHASA, Congo — South Africa was urgently seeking a diplomatic solution to the crisis here as foreign troops flowed in to back beleaguered Congolese President Laurent Kabila.
South African President Nelson Mandela called the leaders of Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda and Congo to a meeting in Pretoria today.
Regional stability hung in the balance as Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe sent forces to support Kabila, who faces a rebellion by Rwandan-backed Tutsi troops. Uganda and Rwanda warned the Zimbabweans to keep out.
Angola, which supports Kabila, was reported to be massing troops and tanks on Congo’s southwestern border.
Rwanda and Uganda helped Kabila oust late dictator Mobutu Sese Seko from power 15 months ago but have clearly now lost patience with him.
For his part, Kabila has accused the two countries of stirring up the rebellion that began Aug. 2.
Today’s meeting, if it takes place, is aimed at thrashing out a peace deal that would be presented Sunday to a summit of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community, also in Pretoria.
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