Another Patass? Official Tells Trial Bemba Did Not Command Troops

Today, another former official in the government of Ange-F?lix Patass?, the late president of the Central African Republic (CAR), told the war crimes trial of Jean-Pierre Bemba that the accused did not command his troops stationed in that country during 2002 and 2003.

Testifying with protective measures, 'Witness D04-64' stated that on a visit to the conflict country, Mr. Bemba told his Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC) troops that they were under the command of Central African authorities. "He told them to respect Bombayake as himself," said the witness. Ferdinand Bombayake was the commander of Mr. Patass?'s presidential guard, the group that championed the counterinsurgency.

Like four other defense witnesses before him - also former officials in the Patass? regime - 'Witness D04-64' commenced his testimony today by recounting the arrival of the MLC and the logistical support provided to them by Central African authorities.

He said the Congolese troops arrived on Central African territory on October 30, 2002 aboard a ferry. Upon arrival, General Bombayake provided the troops with uniforms of the presidential guard. He also gave them communication devices, weapons, and 4??4 vehicles. 'Witness D04-64' said some of the MLC troops arrived with "some" handheld weapons, but these were not sufficient for the operations they were to carry out.

The witness also testified that Central African authorities gave Mr. Bemba's soldiers a monetary allowance drawn from the national treasury to cater for their food and other necessities.

"The Director General of the Treasury gave a suitcase full of money every day to General Bombayake who would then contact Mustafa and together they would take that money and distribute it to the soldiers on the ground," said 'Witness D04-64'. General Mustafa Mukiza was the commander of Mr. Bemba's soldiers who intervened in the conflict.

Asked by defense lawyer Aim? Kilolo-Musamba how he knew all this, the witness responded, "All this happened in front of us at the residence of the president."

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201210230023.html

university of kansas buckeye west side story final four 2012 bridesmaids winning lottery numbers megamillions winner