KINSHASA - Zaire has ordered the expulsion of 40 UN relief workers who withdrew from the eastern city of Kisangani last weekend, saying their departure gave rise to the alleged slaughter of Rwandan Hutus and displaced Zaireans.
A government statement broadcast by state radio late last night said 25,000 civilians had been slaughtered since mainly Tutsi rebels overran the camp of Tingi Tingi on Friday. There has been no independent confirmation of such killings.
A total of 57 foreign UN and non-governmental organisation relief workers pulled out of Kisangani last Saturday, saying degenerating security and harassment by local military authorities made it impossible for them to work.