Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KINSHASA1324
2006-08-22 07:06:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
SITREP 9: KINSHASA FIGHTING (8/22 0800 LOCAL TIME)
how-toVZCZCXRO7032 OO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #1324 2340706 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 220706Z AUG 06 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4644 INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001324
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2016
TAGS: PGOV ASEC CASC KPKO CG
SUBJECT: SITREP 9: KINSHASA FIGHTING (8/22 0800 LOCAL TIME)
REF: KINSHASA 1323
Classified By: PolOff CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.
C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001324
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2016
TAGS: PGOV ASEC CASC KPKO CG
SUBJECT: SITREP 9: KINSHASA FIGHTING (8/22 0800 LOCAL TIME)
REF: KINSHASA 1323
Classified By: POLOFF CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.
1. (C) As dawn broke in Kinshasa August 22, isolated gunfire
and small explosions were heard in the downtown Gombe area of
the city. The Ambassador called DCM from his residence at
0635 to report gunfire, some apparently from heavy arms, from
the direction of the Palais de la Nation (the presidential
offices). The Ambassador reported seeing one Congolese
military tank outside the residence, while his guards
reported seeing another. The tanks were moving from the
presidential compound on the river perhaps towards the
Palais. A later report from the Reuters correspondent stated
the tanks were moving towards Bemba's residence by the river.
Gunfire was also heard coming from the area around the
president's residence. GSSP forces stationed at the regular
position near the Ambassador's residence, however, were
reported to be relaxed.
2. (C) RSO spoke by phone with MONUC head of security around
0630. All MONUC personnel have been advised to stay where
they are and not to move about the city. The Belgians are
still also on lockdown at their embassy (near the U.S.
Chancery).
3. (C) The ARSO reported at 0700 he has received reports of
military troops seen moving throughout the Gombe area near
the Grand Hotel and of shots being fired. Other reports
indicated fighting resuming as early as 0530 in central Gombe.
4. (C) MgtCouns reported that airline contacts say that
N'Djili airport is open August 22. Post is working on
confirmation of whether international flights will be
arriving as scheduled.
5. (C) The Embassy remains on lockdown status and has
activated its cascade system. Post has no reports of any
AmCits having been injured in the violence over the past day.
MEECE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2016
TAGS: PGOV ASEC CASC KPKO CG
SUBJECT: SITREP 9: KINSHASA FIGHTING (8/22 0800 LOCAL TIME)
REF: KINSHASA 1323
Classified By: POLOFF CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.
1. (C) As dawn broke in Kinshasa August 22, isolated gunfire
and small explosions were heard in the downtown Gombe area of
the city. The Ambassador called DCM from his residence at
0635 to report gunfire, some apparently from heavy arms, from
the direction of the Palais de la Nation (the presidential
offices). The Ambassador reported seeing one Congolese
military tank outside the residence, while his guards
reported seeing another. The tanks were moving from the
presidential compound on the river perhaps towards the
Palais. A later report from the Reuters correspondent stated
the tanks were moving towards Bemba's residence by the river.
Gunfire was also heard coming from the area around the
president's residence. GSSP forces stationed at the regular
position near the Ambassador's residence, however, were
reported to be relaxed.
2. (C) RSO spoke by phone with MONUC head of security around
0630. All MONUC personnel have been advised to stay where
they are and not to move about the city. The Belgians are
still also on lockdown at their embassy (near the U.S.
Chancery).
3. (C) The ARSO reported at 0700 he has received reports of
military troops seen moving throughout the Gombe area near
the Grand Hotel and of shots being fired. Other reports
indicated fighting resuming as early as 0530 in central Gombe.
4. (C) MgtCouns reported that airline contacts say that
N'Djili airport is open August 22. Post is working on
confirmation of whether international flights will be
arriving as scheduled.
5. (C) The Embassy remains on lockdown status and has
activated its cascade system. Post has no reports of any
AmCits having been injured in the violence over the past day.
MEECE