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