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KINSHASA, Nov 11 (AFP) - The region around the eastern Zairean city of Bukavu was the scene two weeks ago of widespread looting by soldiers and civilians in which two people were killed, the state radio reported on Sunday.
Troops of the 413th battalion stationed in the region, located at the easternmost edge of Zaire bordering on Rwanda and Burundi, were reported to have looted the town of Uvira, 120 kilometers (77 miles) south of Bukavu on October 28.
The radio said soldiers began the looting but were later joined by civilians. It said calm had returned to the region since.
The Zairean military command has issued numerous warnings against looting by soldiers since they first began a wave of pillaging last September.
The September looting prompted the dispatch of French and Belgian troops and the evacuation of most foreigners from the country.
mf/lg/ds AFP AFP SEQN-0012
