Under-funded Congolese army enlists civilians to supply front line in lawless east

THE Congolese army commander screamed over the radio for more ammunition as mortars pounded down and machine gun fire rattled around him.

Several hours later, about 20 mostly barefoot villagers — offered as porters to the army by a local chief — trudged towards the front line with mortar tubes and cases of ammunition balanced on their heads.

“We can’t fight properly without civilians,” said an army officer walking with the villagers, urging them to push on to the front 16 km up through steep hills.