GOMA NOTES - MASISI UNDER THREAT?

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001127 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: GOMA NOTES - MASISI UNDER THREAT? ¶1. (SBU) Summary: MONUC has long suspected that the CNDP will make another attempt to take Masisi, located along a strategic road that controls access to the west and south. It has been reinforcing its positions in the town, and established a model relationship with the non-integrated 81st Brigade as well as local Mai Mai groups. MONUC North Kivu Commander General Bipin Rawat escorted members of the International Facilitation to Masisi on December 4 for a briefing on the town's defenses. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) According to the INDBATT briefers in Masisi on December 4, there have been no direct clashes between the CNDP and MONUC/FARDC around Masisi since September, when a CNDP advance was stopped with the help of MONUC helicopter gunships. The CNDP does not have a reputation for invincibility in Masisi, but at the same time has adapted its tactics, traveling at night and dispersing to counter the effectiveness of helicopter attacks. The CNDP has probed the outer defenses on almost every side, but has generally been consolidating its forces by moving east. ¶3. (SBU) The September conflicts caused a new wave of IDP's to flee to Masisi, and a mixed group of 35,000 Hunde, Nande and Hutu IDP's coexist on the outskirts of town and with local residents. At least four international NGO's evacuated their staff from Masisi, although food distributions continue. The CNDP continues to skirmish with PARECO to the southwest, while FDLR forces occupy rich mining areas to the west. ¶4. (SBU) Using a diagram of the town to outline respective military positions, General Rawat noted that MONUC-trained FARDC battalions composed the inner ring of defenses, while MONUC protects vital perimeter roads. Mud and rock slides following heavy rains often shut down the Goma - Masisi road, despite UNOPS efforts to clear them. The road to Walikale is also vulnerable as the primary supply route for the FARDC (including police and army payroll). INDBATT briefers referred to Mai Mai in the area as "negative forces," but also noted they played an important defensive role by signaling CNDP movements on the outskirts of town. ¶5. (SBU) MONUC and the FARDC conduct joint military and police patrols in Masisi and appear to have developed a genuine mutual respect. MONUC conducted its briefing with religious and civic leaders, representatives of all forces, and IDP representatives. INDBATT briefer called the 813 (under Major Andre) and the 811 battalions two of the best in the FARDC. He claimed that they had not looted Masisi, and the population did not fear them. Rawat said sustained leadership was the key; troops will not fight when their commanders run or seek only personal gain. As a non-integrated Brigade, he claimed the 81st has molded into an experienced fighting force that has held its own against the CNDP on more than one occasion. ¶6. (SBU) Comment: INDBATT may be adopting an overly optimistic perspective, but on the surface, the pattern of cooperation, communication, planning and inclusivity in Masisi is a model worth replicating. There is no guarantee the FARDC will stand and fight, especially if faced with superior force. However, it has learned certain useful tactics from its association with MONUC in Masisi, such as seeking solid defensible positions rather than simply advancing as far as possible towards enemy lines. Masisi remains a strategic target. It could offer the FARDC an opportunity to partially redeem its dismal reputation as a fighting force. End comment. GARVELINK