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Source App: [Rebels Disown General - Netscape]
Rebels Disown General
March 19, 1999
Kampala - Congolese rebels have disowned a former Mobutu army general named in
the arrest of a top government spy as a conman whom they said is wanted to
answer charges of murder.
The Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) said Gen. Philemon Kpama Baramoto is not a member of RCD or any other movement fighting for democracy, justice or human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Baramoto, former chief of Staff of the late Mobutu Sese Seko, was last weekend linked by the local press to the arrest of the assistant director for special effects in the External Security Organisation (ESO), Humphrey Babukika. The press said Babukika and Maj. Gen. Salim Saleh's wife, Jovia, had extorted US$200, 000 (sh270m) from Baramoto to arrange an appointment with President Yoweri Museveni.
But Jovia told The New Vision that Baramoto owes her US$80,000. RCD in a press release dated March 16 and signed by Mr. Willy Mishiki, a member of the RCD assembly, said Baramoto used the same method to infiltrate Ugandan authorities in South Africa, Ivory Coast and Mali from where he was expelled.
The rebels said Baramoto was implicated in the DRC in printing counterfeit money and in the massacre of students of Lumumba University. "The RCD denounces the seditious contacts which the former general is heading with Kabila's government and Ugandan rebel forces," the release said.
Baramoto claims to lead a faction fighting to oust Laurent Kabila's regime. Meanwhile, a senior External Security Organisation officer arrested two weeks ago, is detained at Makindye military police barracks, reports Yunusu Abbey.
Babukika, an assistant director for special effects, allegedly used President Yoweri Museveni's name to transact his business. The commanding officer, Military Police, Col. John Mugume, yesterday confirmed Babukika's presence in Makindye.
"My officers told me he is around here. But I have not yet established the charges he is likely to face," Mugume said.
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