**Of exploitation, naked imperialism & death squads**

(Reprinted from the May 15, 1997 issue of the People's
Weekly World. May be reprinted or reposted with PWW credit.
For subscription information see below)

By Victor Perlo

(...)

With the revolutionary armies of the Alliance of Democratic
Forces for the Liberation of the Congo (Zaire), led by
Laurent Kabila, closing in on the capital city of
Kinshasha, the United States has loosed a two-pronged
attempt to prevent Kabila's forces from implementing a
progressive program to revitalize the country.

On the diplomatic front, Bill Richardson, U.S. ambassador
to the United Nations, wants Kabila to share power with
"democratic" politicians, leading to "free" elections here
lavish U.S. funding and "international supervision" can
preserve the existing neo-colonial relations.

On the military front, U.S. armed forces are positioned for
an assault and the presence of American bombers is
particularly dangerous. U.S. bombers were used on at least
one occasion during a critical stage in the decades-long
battle of the revolutionary forces against Mobutu, and
there would be no hesitation to call upon them again if it
is considered "necessary."

The mass media has stepped up its propaganda against
Kabila, centering their campaign around the "plight" of
Rwandan refugees. When Kabila surprised U.N. officials by
agreeing to allow use the Kisangani airport to return
refugees, he was told that it would take weeks before they
could undertake the operation

The U.N., led by Kofi Annan, Clinton's appointee as
secretary-general, denounced Kabila's forces for not
protecting the Rwandan refugees but has remained silent
about the mass killing, looting and the "scorched earth"
policies of Mobutu's retreating troops.