DRC-aflame

[flyboy2]

Those flying types aspiring to get some excitement by flying in Africa , should first read about recent events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [ DRC ]

Very interesting times for all flying crew - many have had their houses raided by looters & lost everything . Fortunately no loss of life reported .

"Nuff Sed "

Got in before 'Guns this time !!

[126,7]

I've heard of UN-crew wanting to get out but have to wait for the order from the UN-bosses. Wonder how long it takes to get the largest beaurocracy in the world to get moving. Soo much red tape and so little time!!
Things don't look too good on CNN and I for one am glad that its not me sitting there in Kinshasa...

[paperweight]

About to go up to do another tour in the Central African Republic (CAR) at the end of the month (June).

Can anybody advise how this DRC thing is affecting Bangui (CAR) and the East of the CAR (Bangassou area and surrounds).

I believe all of the poo is in the East of the country which resulted in the fall of Bukavu (besides the Kinshasa looting and
'unrest').
I realise this stems from the Rwandan infiltration from the East but, Jean-Pierre Bemba operates and controls the northern/ NE section of the DRC and collects his supplies from over the river at Bangassou (CAR) and, at one stage, the CAR closed it's borders with the DRC for a while, following a rumour that Bemba might strike from the South. I don't know what's Bemba's position is at the moment in all of this so, anyone in the know - please drop us a line.

My main reason for me asking all of this this - during the last Coup in the CAR, they cleaned me out pretty well - 'puter, CD's, player - the whole 'shooting match' so,

just wanted to know whether to take a big bag or a small bag this time . . . .

Thanks in advance.

Cheers!

[flyboy2]

Hi Paperweight

One can run away from marauding gooks much faster with a small bag , I can confirm that !

Sorry no news now available in Kinshasa about Banqui.

Good luck

[ultralite]

Where is 4granted to comment on this one...

Paperweight, when were you working in CAR? We used to operate out of Kinshasa and went into Bangui at least twice a week, so I guess we have bumped into each other before.

I can remember CAR having a coup almost every week while we were there, but we never had anything taken. Zoba has obviously become smart.

U living in Hotel Somba or Hotel du Centre?

TM :ok:

[paperweight]

Flyboy2

Thanks for checking out for additional info - agree, can't seem to
find anything in addition to what is currently available on the web.
Yeah, and you're right - fortunately, I didn't have to run last time round - I was fortunate enough to 'bat' the aerrie out of the country.

ultralite

We probably do indeed know each other - you may recall, there are essentially two 'vans' operating out of Bangui. One was being operated by a tall fellow who always wore a Pratt & Whitney cap (yes, he was resident at the Somba) and, the other was being flown by me (Pre-Coup, I was staying in a block of flats in town - post-Coup, in a shared house near Bokassa's residence) I spent 1 year in Bangui.
You must have been operating the van or BE200 for the UN out of Kinshasa?
and, I do not know 4granted.

[policepilot]

Sounds like DRC going downhill again, not been in for 2 years. Will email 4granted and ask for a thread. Didn't world bank and/or int'l monetary fund just loan zillions to the DRC? One looses track quickly.

[4granted]

From Kinshasa:

After the initial unrest last week where a couple of looters were killed things have been pretty quiet. Unfortunatly UN New York called for the evacuation of non esential staff and families with kids, so 4gs missus and bambinas caught a boat to Brazza yesterday.

The situation today is that everybody(the UN aka MONUC) are anticipating major pooh today, even worse than last week, as the looters who were killed are being buried.
We were escorted to the aiport by armed convoy and the pax are being flown to the airport by helicopter from the Grand Hotel. We are officialy now living at the Airport for the next 5 days in the container type rooms. Rat packs and water provided if you call room service.
We will wait and see. The goverment seems unified on the issues in the east but are not doing much to solve the situation.

I think it will all blow over in a couple of days , but dont take my word for it. These people never miss a free chance to throw a stone or loot a house.


Later dudes.
4g
Ndjili Airport
Kinsh1thole.

[Pontius' Pilot]

Try this link to IOL News.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?newslett=1&click_id=79&art_id=vn20040607015135613C380226&set_id=1

[paperweight]

4granted

Thanks for the update and pleased to hear the family got
off to Brazza ok.

In the interim, lie low and, hope they've been kind enough
to issue some hootch in those rat-packs being passed around.

Referring to your last paragraph - I tend to agree with you.
As soon as the RDP is over and some serious hangovers start
setting in (5 - 10 days), things should be a bit more manageable.


Pontius Pilot

Thanks for the the thread - Gracias




. . . . . . here we go again . .

[4granted]

Alls quiet here. Had a braai on the side of the apron at Ndjili last night with the PAE guys(a first I must say). Probably be heading into town back home today.


Otherwise same sh1te different day.

4g:cool:

[manamana]

Saw a little on BBC this morning about an attempted coup in Kin. Whats happening over there? Was it a half hearted attempt, or could this escalate?:confused: :uhoh:

[mosantu]

YOU HAVE ONE PRESIDENT AND 5 VISE PRESIDENT, SO THEY ALL WANT THE POWER, AND ELECTION ARE SUPPOSE TO TAKE PLACE NEXT YEAR, BUT I HAVE A FILING THAT SOMEBODY WILL TAKE THE SEAT BEFORE THAT, SO IT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE TROUBLE THERE FOR SOME TIME §§§§

MOSANTU :cool:

[fireitup]

4G

Hope you and the family are safe, heard you've moved over into Brazza?

Crystalroads!!
Fire:ok:

[AirSDF]

i am very happy to have leaved Kin 2 weeks ago
but the things won't go better there for sure
is there any of you flying there at this moment
Perhaps we have meet!

[flyboy2]

Hi guys

Things have seemingly returned to "normality " in FZAA.

At least UN aircrew & staff are able to move about again without being stoned - long may it last.

Staying in secured suburb or hotel is wisest .


:O

[flyboy2]

Hi all

Yes things seem quiet again in FZAA, & aircrew & staff seem to move about in their clearly visible UN vehicles.

Many aircrews are still staying in the comparative safety of the Grand Hotel, so a good social life is being enjoyed by all there.

One can only hope for the best now until one's tour is up.

:O