SITREP 9: KINSHASA FIGHTING (8/22 0800 LOCAL TIME)

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