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11 October 2004
BRUSSELS – Eight more Congolese soldiers have disappeared from army barracks in Elsenborn, bringing the total of AWOL officers to 12, it was reported on Monday.
Four Congolese soldiers who made another break for freedom last week have now officially been described as ‘deserters.’
A total of 280 troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been in Elsenborn, near the German border, since the end of August to follow a five week training course.
After the first disappearances, two more officers went missing on Friday night, followed by one more on Saturday and five by Monday morning.
It is thought the men do not want to return home and are seeking to start a new life in Europe.
[Copyright: Expatica 2004]
Subject: Belgian news