LRA UPDATE: TROOP MOVEMENT CONTINUES, LRA HUNGRY

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001613 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/29/2015 TAGS: PREL MARR PGOV KPKO CG UG SUBJECT: LRA UPDATE: TROOP MOVEMENT CONTINUES, LRA HUNGRY REF: KINSHASA 1596 AND PREVIOUS Classified By: PolCouns MSanderson, reasons 1.4 b/d. ¶1. (C) The movement of Congolese troops toward Aba via Kisangani and Aru is expected to continue today. General Padiri spoke the evening of September 28 again with Colonel Tabu but no flexibility was evident in the LRA position. Tabu complained, however, that the family members (and presumably the armed elements as well) are beginning to suffer greatly from hunger, and asked again if the Congolese or MONUC couldn't provide food. MONUC is reluctant to do so, not only because of the costly logistical aspects but because feeding the LRA could encourage them to further entrench. They also are aware, however, of the importance of keeping the LRA essentially in one place, and probably will decide today on whether to begin providing rations. Padiri is worried that the LRA will attack Aba if not fed, but the Congolese military is unable to provide food. (Comment: Most Congolese troops are themselves not regularly fed. End Comment.) MEECE