Rune Edvardsen, who is very well connected in Congo and has followed this case since the beginning, claims in an email to me today that the military tribunal is working on having the guys executed. Is there a danger that if the military Supreme Court in Kinshasa confirms the verdict from Kisangani the sentences will be executed?
The government has repeatedly guaranteed to Foreign Minister Gahr Støre and the ambassadors Vea and Øyen that the executions will not be carried out, but does the government control Kisangani? That is the big question. It was said that they would be transferred to Kinshasa. This hasn’t happened. Why?
The government probably doesn’t have the power to do it. The situation is frightening.
Who really has the power in Kisangani? It’s hard to say for sure. The Colonel who was in charge of the last “trial” is supposedly not in power anymore. Lieutenant Colonel Wawara is now a full Colonel, but there are many indications that it could be the Governor. If this is true, is it him who wants them executed? What is his motive?
I can’t confirm this, but I’ve heard that 200 million (NOK) that Congo is receiving from the Rain Forest Fund is supposed to go through him. Are we intended to send this money to him if he is responsible for the murder of two Norwegian citizens?
Time is running out, and the situation gets worse and worse!
Knut Moland, March 11th 2010
