An opposition armed group is accusingDRC President Joseph Kabila's government of giving preferential treatment to National Congressfor People's Defense (CNDP) rebels in the implementation ofCongo's recently signed peace agreement.
The Mai Mai rebel group said it isfrustrated with the government and has threatened to take up arms, a move whichwould undermine the peace process. The Mai Mai claims the government gave loftypositions in the national army to the CNDP, relegating the Mai Mai fighters tojunior ranks.
But President Kabila sidestepped the allegation, promising tolook into their grievances. Didier Bitaki is a leader of the Mai Mai rebelgroup. He told VOA that Kinshasa has so far failed to treat them as equals toother rebel groups.
"Weare very frustrated because the treatment reserved to ourselves and our formertroops or combatants is not so good," Bitaki said.
Hecriticized the CNDP's preferentially treatment after both groups wereintegrated into the national army in accordance to the recently signed peacedeal with Kinshasa.
"Theyare mistreating our combatants because they are living under the CNDPcommanders now in the army," he objected.
Bitakicomplained that his combatants have been left to fend for themselves.
"Thegovernment is now paying attention to the CNDP reintegration instead ofcollecting all things so that we find solutions to all the problems. So we arenot happy (about) the way we are treated," Bitaki said.
Hesaid ongoing negotiations with the government have so far failed to addresstheir concerns.
"SinceMay we have been in Kinshasa for the same purpose we came here to discuss abouthow we can make implementation of the Goma agreement which we signed between usand the government. We are still waitingfor the response from the other side," he said.
Bitakisaid the rebels are expressing anger and would take up arms if Kinshasa refusesto address their concerns,
"Weare very disappointed and if such things continue, I don't know if we are goingto maintain peace, which is very bad on the ground," Bitaki said.
Hesaid although President Kabila promised to address their concerns, nothing hasso far been done.
"We'vejust been discussing with the president today and we told him our concerns, butthe president gave a good response and we were a little satisfied with what hesaid. But the problem is that those who are sent to execute the agreement we don'thave faith in them," he said.
Bitakisaid that with growing Mai Mai discontent about their treatment, the rebelscould be forced to take up arms.
"Ourformer combatants are saying they are being mistreated and they are eventhinking of returning to the bush," Bitaki said.
Heurged Kinshasa to take action to prevent another round of insurgency in NorthKivu province and surrounding areas by not favoring one group at the other'sexpense.
"Thegovernment should bring response to the problem of the combatants and theproblem of the political leaders instead of giving the responsibility to peoplewho don't need peace," he said.