CONGO/B: ROC REFUGEES IN GABON

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 000768 SIPDIS PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/06/2010 TAGS: PHUM CF SUBJECT: CONGO/B: ROC REFUGEES IN GABON REF: A) ACCRA 0828 B) KINSHASA 0598 C) LIBREVILLE 0310 D) YAOUNDE 0624 Classified By: AMBASSADOR ROBIN R. SANDERS FOR REASON 1.5 (A) AND (B) 1.(C) Post has sought to verify the information in reftel A with UNHCR regarding disappearances and poisoning as noted by ROC refugees in Gabon. There does not seem to be any evidence to support this. UNHCR has been following the issue of the ROC refugees in Gabon very closely, as has Post, and we are both of the view that the security environment is enabling for the ROC refugees to return, and that the stories that are being spread have more to do with the desire to find other places to be moved to for economic reasons, not security reasons or threats. Post will continue to monitor and engage with UNHCR on the issue of Congo/B refugees in Gabon. ¶2. (U) Brazzaville Embassy Office - Sanders. DOUGHERTY DOUGHERTY