CONFIRMED SOUTH KIVU MASSACRE BY RASTA/FDLR

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001690

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2015
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KPKO CG
SUBJECT: CONFIRMED SOUTH KIVU MASSACRE BY RASTA/FDLR

Classified By: PolOff TJNaber, reason 1.4d.


1. (C) Rasta/FDLR elements massacred 15 people in Kanyola,
South Kivu on October 10, according to MONUC poloff. (Note:
We believe the Rasta to be a radical creation of the FDLR.
End note.) Two women and six children were among the dead.
A FARDC patrol not far from Kanyola originally reported the
massacre. MONUC's South Kivu Brigade confirmed the massacre
to MONUC in Bukavu and Kinshasa.


2. (C) Per MONUC, Rasta/FDLR claimed responsibility for the
attack, citing the offensive against them by FARDC as
justification. They did not mention MONUC's cooperation with
the FARDC. According to MONUC poloff, the FDLR is unable to
confront FARDC directly given that its forces are supported
by MONUC. Instead, they retaliate against civilian
populations in order to discourage GDRC action and to
intimidate their opponents.
MEECE