EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 1

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001060 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 1 ¶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) MONUC security sources in Goma reported on December 1 that PARECO and CNDP engaged in fighting over the weekend outside of Masisi town, particularly in the area of Bwabo, 5-7 kilometers from Masisi town. The combat caused some residents to flee. Goma poloff notes that MONUC has been reinforcing Masisi, as it fears the CNDP may try to occupy the town. ¶3. (SBU) A "rocket" explosive device of some type is reported to have hit a CNDP truck carrying soldiers on the road between Kiwanja and Kisharu. A number of CNDP soldiers were killed in the incident. It is not clear who launched the rocket. ¶4. (SBU) During a disturbance at a distribution site at Kibati camp on November 30, Congolese police fired weapons, wounding two civilians. Additionally, police in Goma conducted a search of a neighborhood on November 30, reportedly recovering hidden arms. Police arrested several people in connection with the cache. ¶5. (SBU) A MONUC military representative met with a CNDP commander on November 28 in Rutshuru and told him to stop all CNDP military advances. The CNDP commander claimed that current operations along the Rutshuru/Ishasha axis are preemptive to neutralize local Mai Mai forces. ¶6. (SBU) According to a British journalist in Goma, reporters travel the road from Goma as far north as Kanyabayonga without incident. They note, however, that CNDP soldiers are taxing commercial trucks on the route; recent CNDP actions appear aimed at securing control of commercial arteries in North Kivu. Political Developments -------------- ¶7. (U) Press reporting alleges that video footage shows SESG Obasanjo, during his November 29 meeting with Nkunda, chastising the rebel leader for launching an offensive along the Ugandan border last week, thus breaking a cease-fire in the middle of peace talks. Obasanjo is quoted as saying that Nkunda had made him a "laughingstock." Nkunda allegedly responded that the cease-fire was only meant to apply to the FARDC, not to negative and foreign forces. Nkunda also threatened war if the government refuses to hold talks with the CNDP. Nkunda reportedly added that he realizes that the FARDC has no capacity to fight. According to Nkunda, Obasanjo told him that the GDRC has accepted, in principle, a face to face meeting with Congolese officials, but has not agreed on a venue. ¶8. (U) Press reporting notes that Nkunda has called on the Norwegian government to assist SESG Obasanjo in mediating the conflict. He also expressed support for the deployment of Norwegian peacekeepers to the DRC, making it clear that, while he cannot support the presence of an EU force in the DRC, he wants smaller countries such as Norway to contribute to MONUC or otherwise engage militarily. Norwegian Development Cooperation Minister Erik Solheim, according to the report, promised that Oslo would review Nkunda's request. LRA's Kony a no-show, again -------------- ¶9. (U) LRA leader Joseph Kony has reportedly refused to sign the final peace agreement until his ICC warrant is suspended. UN envoy Chissano was quoted in the press as saying that a signing is not expected soon. GARVELINK