Romeo and Juliet in the Congo...

They are the Romeo and Juliet of the conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of Congo.

Although very much in love, their conflicting tribal roots preclude them from marrying: Ernest is Hutu, while his girlfriend Consolatta is Tutsi.

"I was preparing for our church marriage for December, but because of this catastrophic situation... it is very difficult," said Ernest, 36, wistfully.

Heavy fighting in the eastern Nord-Kivu province between pro-government Mai Mai militia and rebels loyal to renegade general Laurent Nkunda has enflamed tribal divisions on the ground.
Ernest, a civil servant in the local Rutshuru region, and Consolatta, a secondary school teacher, met three years ago. More...

See also:

1. The Congo Must NOT become another Rwanda...
2. DR Congo: all hell breaks loose... Where's the U.N.? Where's Bono? Where's the bailout?
3. Next time you want to buy some gold, you might want to look at this first...
4. Congo: what is the war REALLY about? Ethnicity? Or the Congo's immense resources?