Abstract
- The ongoing war in Rwanda. Kigali, the capital, was almost calm today after three days of chaos. But the rebels refuse the interim government. Sporadic shooting in the city, where everything is in place for the evacuation of foreigners. 400 French paratroopers from the Central African Republic will take part in Operation Amaryllis.
- Around 5 a.m. this morning, 280 French soldiers landed in Kigali. More than 120 others are to join them. Mission: occupy the airport. Last night, some 800 Belgian soldiers also set off for Rwanda. And meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, American jumbo jets were embarking troops as well.
- Objective of the Westerners: to coordinate their means and prepare the security conditions for the evacuation of their nationals in this small African country, Rwanda, torn again in a tribal war.
- For three days, more than 1,000 people have been killed. And among them, a French couple. The turmoil started again after the attack on Wednesday [April 6] against the Rwandan President.
- It is the rebels of the minority Tutsi ethnic group who sow terror. These rebels have formed a front: it would have about 20,000 men. They promise to march on Kigali. They are currently 50 kilometers from the capital. And they warn: they are ready to face the French if necessary.
- This evening the fighting would continue in Kigali, especially around the presidential palace. The north of the country, stronghold of the rebels, is in flames.
- Edouard Balladur's trip to China comes close to an incident.