Some of the evidence may be anecdotal, but fact blends easily with rumour in Bukavu.

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In Panzi hospital, Bukavu, Dr. Mukwege, a general surgeon continues to work tirelessly to repair these damaged women.

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Last year, President Joseph Kabila's personal adviser, Augustin Katumba, was killed in a crash in the city of Bukavu.

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But the point I'm trying to make about Bukavu is that this isn't some wretched, obscure town which deserves our fleeting pity.

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In Bukavu, the eastern capital of South Kivu, close to the frontier with Rwanda, a variety of people are now inclined to take a pro-Kabila line.

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But these arguments carry little weight in Bukavu.

ECONOMIST: Congo and Rwanda: Get out of our country | The