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