SITREP 26: MORNING STARTS CALMLY IN KINSHASA (8/24

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001343 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV ASEC CASC KPKO CG SUBJECT: SITREP 26: MORNING STARTS CALMLY IN KINSHASA (8/24 1030) REF: KINSHASA 1342 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (U) Mission convened a follow-up EAC meeting the morning of 8/24 in Kinshasa (septel). ¶2. (SBU) All mission personnel are authorized to use their POVs, and classes resumed normally at the American School of Kinshasa. Traffic was still somewhat lighter than usual although commuters reported many private vehicles as well as numerous pedestrians on the roads. Mission personnel -- and all Amcits, official as well as unofficial -- are being advised to maintain a higher awareness of personal security measures. ¶3. (SBU) Some reports of checkpoints/roadblocks in Kinshasa have been received and are currently being investigated by the RSO. ¶4. (U) The missions of Belgium, France, UK, Netherlands, the UK and MONUC all confirmed a return to business as usual, and other missions advised Post on August 23 of their intentions to resume normal operations on August 24. There are no reports of interruptions of routine services. Almost 100% of LES have reported to their jobs in the various Mission locations. ¶5. (U) River transport is normal, and international flights have resumed. ¶6. (SBU) One international contact reported seeing tanks moving the evening of August 23, but that appeared to be a return of equipment to its point of origin. Given sporadic reports of looting, visible police presence -- already heavier than normal -- can be expected to continue. MEECE