Story number 1 for 18 Jul 2003

(Congo–Kinshasa)–Our newscast begins today in Kinshasa Congo where a power sharing government is in place, with the swearing in of four vice presidents. While the politicking may not settle for another 12 months, there are hopes that this brings an end to five years of bitter civil war. Hope Builders International’s Johan Gous (hohs) is among mission agencies watching the proceedings. “We’re looking forward to the fighting in the northeast slowing down, because if that can happen, then fewer of the rebel forces will cross into the Brazzaville Congo, where more of our work is centered.” As to the agreement being honored, Gous says it remains to be seen. However, “We see it as positive; we’re praying for it and it may just cut down the numbers of patrols, whether it be rebel or government patrols that are busy in the Republic of the Congo. The fewer that there are of them, the easier our work.”