NEWSFLASH - Mbote mobilises troops on border with Zubuto (Reuters)

From our political correspondent in Mboteville

In a sign of increasing regional tension, the Mbote Defence Force (MDF) has been mobilised and placed on a high state of readiness in positions adjacent to the border with the neighbouring Peoples' Republic of Zubuto. In a brief press statement, the President of Mbote, Colonel Banga Boum, explained that recent disturbances caused by the presidential election held in Zubuto over the weekend, have threatened the stability of the disputed border zone.

Independent reports have identified armoured units of the MDF supported by regular infantry and a mobile border patrol force moving into the de-militarised zone adjacent to the Ntumbe river crossing. In a separate unconfirmed report, the Combined Regional African Peacekeeping (CRAP) contingent monitoring border security, appears to have hastily withdrawn from it's checkpoint on the Ntumbe Bridge, leaving the crossing open to cross border movement.