Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07KINSHASA292
2007-03-13 10:51:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
ITURI UPDATE: KARIM SURRENDERS ADDITIONAL 131
how-toVZCZCXRO3589 PP RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #0292 0721051 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 131051Z MAR 07 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5754 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 000292
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/13/2017
TAGS: PGOV KPKO ASEC CG
SUBJECT: ITURI UPDATE: KARIM SURRENDERS ADDITIONAL 131
MILITIA MEMBERS
REF: KINSHASA 281
Classified By: PolOff CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.
C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 000292
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/13/2017
TAGS: PGOV KPKO ASEC CG
SUBJECT: ITURI UPDATE: KARIM SURRENDERS ADDITIONAL 131
MILITIA MEMBERS
REF: KINSHASA 281
Classified By: PolOff CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.
1. (C) Front for National Integration (FNI) leader Peter
Karim surrendered an additional 131 militia members March 10
in Doi, approximately 55 miles northeast of the Ituri
District capital of Bunia. Karim had promised Congolese
military (FARDC) officials he would surrender an additional
200 militia after sending an initial group of 170 for
demobilization February 27 (reftel). The 301 ex-FNI members
are now awaiting identification and processing in nearby
Kpandroma before beginning training and integration into the
FARDC.
2. (C) Karim himself did not surrender March 10 despite an
earlier pledge to do so. MONUC Force Commander Lt. General
Babacar Gaye told us March 12 Karim still insists on amnesty
before reporting for integration. Karim reportedly claimed he
has more than 300 FNI militia members still waiting in the
bush who will not surrender until the GDRC grants him amnesty.
3. (C) As with the previous group of FNI ex-combatants, this
group also turned in few weapons. MONUC military officials
report the FARDC recovered just 18 weapons, including 12
AK-47 rifles, most of which were unserviceable. Gaye said he
suspected many in this new wave were simply "farmers" seeking
the cash payment given to demobilizing soldiers. He also
speculated that Karim is purposely withholding weapons to
force the GDRC's position on the amnesty question. A
MONUC-Bunia political officer who met with Karim March 9 told
us the militia leader rejected the "one person, one weapon"
principle, claiming the militia's weapons are "community
assets" being used for their protection.
MEECE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/13/2017
TAGS: PGOV KPKO ASEC CG
SUBJECT: ITURI UPDATE: KARIM SURRENDERS ADDITIONAL 131
MILITIA MEMBERS
REF: KINSHASA 281
Classified By: PolOff CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.
1. (C) Front for National Integration (FNI) leader Peter
Karim surrendered an additional 131 militia members March 10
in Doi, approximately 55 miles northeast of the Ituri
District capital of Bunia. Karim had promised Congolese
military (FARDC) officials he would surrender an additional
200 militia after sending an initial group of 170 for
demobilization February 27 (reftel). The 301 ex-FNI members
are now awaiting identification and processing in nearby
Kpandroma before beginning training and integration into the
FARDC.
2. (C) Karim himself did not surrender March 10 despite an
earlier pledge to do so. MONUC Force Commander Lt. General
Babacar Gaye told us March 12 Karim still insists on amnesty
before reporting for integration. Karim reportedly claimed he
has more than 300 FNI militia members still waiting in the
bush who will not surrender until the GDRC grants him amnesty.
3. (C) As with the previous group of FNI ex-combatants, this
group also turned in few weapons. MONUC military officials
report the FARDC recovered just 18 weapons, including 12
AK-47 rifles, most of which were unserviceable. Gaye said he
suspected many in this new wave were simply "farmers" seeking
the cash payment given to demobilizing soldiers. He also
speculated that Karim is purposely withholding weapons to
force the GDRC's position on the amnesty question. A
MONUC-Bunia political officer who met with Karim March 9 told
us the militia leader rejected the "one person, one weapon"
principle, claiming the militia's weapons are "community
assets" being used for their protection.
MEECE