Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08KINSHASA1172
2008-12-31 10:09:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 31
how-toVZCZCXRO7779 OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #1172 3661009 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 311009Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8990 INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS KINSHASA 001172
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 31
REF: Kinshasa 1169
UNCLAS KINSHASA 001172
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 31
REF: Kinshasa 1169
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) During meetings in Goma on December 29, CHOD Didier Etumba
apparently stressed that FARDC troops needed to immediately vacate
homes they have occupied after residents had fled nearby fighting.
3. (SBU) Etumba called for more joint DDR operations with MONUC
(Note: MONUC trained several FARDC battalions to participate in DDR
operations in South Kivu, but the FARDC forces were subsequently
deployed against the CNDP in North Kivu. End Note). According to
MONUC sources, many civilian GDRC officials believe the FARDC can
disarm the FDLR without MONUC assistance. Etumba rejected the CNDP
assertion that a FARDC/PARECO/Mai Mai/FDLR coalition existed. The
FARDC, Etumba reportedly emphasized, would never cooperate with the
FDLR.
4. (SBU) MONUC reported no changes in FARDC positions, but it
continues to express concern about the very close proximity of the
two sides near Kibati (reftel). UN security officials noted a
growing CNDP presence on the Kibati-Kibumba axis.
LRA - Operation Lightening Thunder
--------------
5. (SBU) CARITAS reported that approximately 400 civilians were
killed by LRA attacks on December 25-27 in at least three different
locations. The head of the Goma OCHA office said her "on-site
sources" have recorded 199 civilian deaths in Duruma, Butima, and
Faradje. However, she acknowledged that this number could rise, as
more bodies are found.
6. (SBU) Unknown numbers of IDPs are moving towards Dungu. Some
LRA troops dispersed as far away as Isiru, southwest of Dungu, so
IDPs moving into the forest are potentially vulnerable.
7. (SBU) Some residents of Faradje who have fled the town (reftel)
have arrived in Tadu and Kpodo. Additional groups are fleeing
toward Watsa, south of Faradje, and also northward to Sudan.
USAID/DART reported the arrival of IDPs in Masbe and in Duru, on the
western edge of Garamba Park. Travel to both villages remains risky
due to LRA presence.
GARVELINK
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 31
REF: Kinshasa 1169
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) During meetings in Goma on December 29, CHOD Didier Etumba
apparently stressed that FARDC troops needed to immediately vacate
homes they have occupied after residents had fled nearby fighting.
3. (SBU) Etumba called for more joint DDR operations with MONUC
(Note: MONUC trained several FARDC battalions to participate in DDR
operations in South Kivu, but the FARDC forces were subsequently
deployed against the CNDP in North Kivu. End Note). According to
MONUC sources, many civilian GDRC officials believe the FARDC can
disarm the FDLR without MONUC assistance. Etumba rejected the CNDP
assertion that a FARDC/PARECO/Mai Mai/FDLR coalition existed. The
FARDC, Etumba reportedly emphasized, would never cooperate with the
FDLR.
4. (SBU) MONUC reported no changes in FARDC positions, but it
continues to express concern about the very close proximity of the
two sides near Kibati (reftel). UN security officials noted a
growing CNDP presence on the Kibati-Kibumba axis.
LRA - Operation Lightening Thunder
--------------
5. (SBU) CARITAS reported that approximately 400 civilians were
killed by LRA attacks on December 25-27 in at least three different
locations. The head of the Goma OCHA office said her "on-site
sources" have recorded 199 civilian deaths in Duruma, Butima, and
Faradje. However, she acknowledged that this number could rise, as
more bodies are found.
6. (SBU) Unknown numbers of IDPs are moving towards Dungu. Some
LRA troops dispersed as far away as Isiru, southwest of Dungu, so
IDPs moving into the forest are potentially vulnerable.
7. (SBU) Some residents of Faradje who have fled the town (reftel)
have arrived in Tadu and Kpodo. Additional groups are fleeing
toward Watsa, south of Faradje, and also northward to Sudan.
USAID/DART reported the arrival of IDPs in Masbe and in Duru, on the
western edge of Garamba Park. Travel to both villages remains risky
due to LRA presence.
GARVELINK