EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 15

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001104 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 15 ¶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 the December 12 UN security briefing in Goma, humanitarian partners reported recent clashes between PARECO and the CNDP northwest of Sake. At the previous day's security meeting, OCHA reported that armed individuals in civilian clothes looted approximately 30 houses in Kanyabayonga. The FARDC denied involvement, but nevertheless remain the primary suspects. ¶3. (SBU) On December 11, a FARDC soldier reportedly fired at a Save the Children vehicle en route to Goma from Rutshuru. The vehicle had crossed both CNDP and FARDC checkpoints when the soldier in question fired at the car; the vehicle's occupants were unharmed. Joint Offensive against LRA -------------- ¶4. (U) Press reporting notes that the governments of the DRC, Uganda, and southern Sudan launched a military offensive on December 14 against the LRA in northeastern DRC. A statement from the three countries' military intelligence chiefs noted that the offensive had destroyed Kony's main camp, codenamed Swahili, and that further details would be released as the operation progressed. LRA spokesman David Nyekorach-Matsanga told media sources that the operation was a "highly regrettable provocation and the LRA will retaliate." A MONUC military spokesman said that MONUC had been advised but did not participate in preparations for the operation. GARVELINK