EASTERN DRC NOTES - NOVEMBER 21

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001034 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - NOVEMBER 21 ¶1. (U) The items contained in this report consist principally of spot information from various sources. This report is not exhaustive, nor can all the information contained therein be confirmed at this time. Security Situation -------------- ¶2. (SBU) At a November 21 morning briefing, UNDSS reported there was a minor shootout between CNDP and Mai Mai on November 20 at Katoro, three kilometers from Kiwanja. One Mai Mai was reportedly wounded. At Butebmo, local businessmen apparently requested local Mai Mai to secure the town and prevent looting. ¶3. (SBU) There are increasing reports of CNDP "exactions" on the local population in Kiwanja, including abductions and forced labor and recruitment. There are reports that Mai Mai, who are located north of Kiwanja are trying to infiltrate the town to recruit civilians who are unhappy with CNDP control. ¶4. (SBU) Radio Okapi noted that SRSG Doss has written a letter to CNDP leader Nkunda denouncing serious violations of human rights since the arrival of CNDP forces in Kiwanja. The letter apparently points to the arbitrary executions of civilians, including women and children, in their homes. Louis Marie Bouaka, Deputy Head of MONUC's Human Rights Office in Kinshasa told Radio Okapi that MONUC would remain "the eyes and the ears of the international community." He added that MONUC is investigating the incidents at Kiwanja and would soon make public its report. Humanitarian Situation -------------- ¶5. (SBU) On November 20, the first of two planned truckloads of non-food items arrived in Goma from Kigali. The cargo, including soap and mosquito netting, will be consigned to UNICEF for distribution to IDP's. ¶6. (SBU) According to UNHCR, approximately 2,000 DRC residents crossed into Uganda on November 20, raising to 14,500 the estimated total number of DRC refugees who have arrived in Uganda since the end of August. GARVELINK