National day in prison in Kisangani was fortunately a little bit better than we feared. Minister Alida Endresen from the embassy in Angola came to visit on May 16thand May 17th, and she had some information for the boys. It probably helped to talk to someone as well. They also got a bag from Edvardsen with some food, papers and other necessities.
Endresen is going back to Kinshasa with ambassador Vea soon as far as we know. We don’t know the procedures in Kinshasa, but we understand that something is going on with the British ambassador. We’ve received clear messages that the case has high priority, and that they will keep at it until the case is solved no matter what. We feel that they want to pressure the Congolese government more, but we don’t know the details around that. We also understand that Foreign Minister Støre is very interested in a solution, and we are of course very happy about that.
We believe that the Congolese Justice Minister and/or his assistant have delayed the case in hopes of money. He or they will never get it, and hopefully that will be clear to him soon. There is no evidence of this, but we think it might be the case.
Some of the problem is now, strangely enough that everyone is in agreement. Everyone wants the transfer etc. and it’s difficult to negotiate when everyone is in agreement. The problem is that nothing is happening. It’s a strange situation. We have to push to get a breakthrough. And we have to believe that a breakthrough will come soon. If that’s the case, something can happen very soon. It’s exciting times.
It’s difficult to see why Congo has any interest in dragging this out. It’s strange that individuals can delay based on their own interests. But this is a country that is so different from what we know that it’s difficult to understand.
At least the boys have some hope, and that’s a hope that keeps them going both physically and mentally in their misery.
Knut Moland May 18th 2011
