Zaire Forces Out Rwandan Refugees

Setting fire to huts and looting aid camps, Zairian soldiers forced thousands of refugees back home to Rwanda on Tuesday. Another 60,000 refugees fled into the hills to escape the expulsions, apparently fearing slaughter in their homeland.

The United Nations and the U.S. State Department said the removal of refugees from camps in eastern Zaire could turn into a disaster if not stopped. Despite protests from Rwanda and the United Nations, Zaire gave no indication it was going to slow the exodus that sent 10,000 Rwandans across the border Tuesday.