MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 15 MEETING OF THE JOINT MONITORING

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000696 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS KPKO CG SUBJECT: MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 15 MEETING OF THE JOINT MONITORING GROUP TASK FORCE ¶1. No U.S. representative attended the August 15 meeting in Goma of the Joint Monitoring Group Task Force. In the interest of ensuring that Washington and other addressees remain informed of the Task Force's deliberations, post is transmitting the following official minutes from the meeting: SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING Joint Monitoring Group 35th Meeting of the Task Force Goma, August 15, 2008 The thirty-fifth meeting of the Task Force (TF) of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) was held in Goma on August 15, 2008, as scheduled. The major highlight was a briefing from the Director of DDRRR Philip Lancaster on the number of combatants that surrendered in Kasiki on July 31, as well as detailed information on the weapons that were handed in. In attendance were representatives of GoDRC (Col. Augustin Mamba), GoRwa (Mr. Burabyo James) as well as the AU (Lt. Col. Capo Chi-chi Jean) UN (Mr. Archibald Moiwo),RSA (Ms. Mpho Masetlha),ICGL (Mr. Roger Nsibula) and EU. The EU representative (Mr. Bernard Sexe) chaired the meeting. Summary of DDRRR briefing On August 15, 2008, DDRRR Director Philip Lancaster briefed the JMG-TF about the official disarmament ceremony of the first group of RUD combatants which took place on July 31 at Kasiki. He clarified that MONUC and the GoDRC supported the activity. He explained that the event was important because it signals the commencement of the disarmament process of the ex FAR-Interahamwe in DRC in a context where there were fears that RUD might not honor its commitment even though it had signed the road map for disarmament and relocation. He pointed out that a total of 64 cadres with 72 of their dependants surrendered with 41 weapons and 24 bullets. The current problem in the Kasiki camp is that the troops have disarmed but not demobilized. DDRRR has very little access to them in order to sensitize them for repatriation. RUD leadership has strict control over the rank and file. According to DDRRR, the RUD leadership needs to agree to register its cadres, as well as give access to DDRRR teams to sensitize them for repatriation, without which progress will be difficult. The Director explained that although 41 weapons and 24 bullets were too few, it was the beginning of a slow process. On the question of repatriation statistics, the difference in figures between DDRRR and GoRwa was not a problem of definition, but identification. The procedures used to determine a combatant by both are different. The GoRwa uses more skilled persons and techniques and the competencies of both identification teams are not the same. However, the GoRwa and DDRRR have now established a mechanism to reconcile figures at Mutobo (in Rwanda) and the process is already midway. DDRRR promised to provide the reconciliation figures to JMG-TF at the August 22 meeting. Finally it was mentioned that there is progress in repatriation. From November 2007 to August 2008, a total of 823 individuals including 447 combatants, 19 CAAGs and 357 dependents, have been repatriated to Rwanda. In August 2008, 32 combatants and 50 dependents have so far been repatriated. The weapons handed in by the RUD ex-combatants were reported to be with MONUC military in Kanyabayonga and would be brought to Goma in a few days from the time of this report. The process of destruction will take place thereafter. The DDRRR Director further revealed that there is some reluctance in some areas, among the local traditional chiefs to take on FDLR ex-combatants for relocation in their areas. He opined that in the light of these difficulties, disarming the RUD combatants in their zone should be considered as progress, although modest, in the repatriation efforts. The Rwandese delegation expressed their concern about a DDRRR unofficial draft document that was inadvertently given to the participants, relating the Kasiki disarmament ceremony with a comment on a photograph saying "inter-Rwandese dialogue?" There were few other inaccuracies observed in the document. MONUC DDRRR regretted the circulation of this unofficial document and requested its immediate withdrawal. Recommendations to the Special Envoys No recommendations were given by the JMG-TF during this meeting. Minutes of the last meeting After frank discussions on terminologies, and with the goodwill of KINSHASA 00000696 002 OF 002 all participants, the minutes of the 33rd and 34th meetings were adopted. The meeting agreed that only salient points must be stated in minutes of field visits. Agenda for next meeting ¶1. Introductory Remarks ¶2. Elaborate on recommendations for JMG /TF field visits ¶3. Discussion of next field visit: GoDRC and GoRwa ¶4. Recommendation to the Special Envoys ¶5. Minutes of the last meeting ¶6. AOB ¶7. Agenda for the next meeting ¶8. Closing Remarks AOB There was a suggestion to have JMG/TF meetings on Wednesdays instead of Fridays. The proposal was briefly discussed and decision was deferred to next session (22 August) under AOB. End official minutes of JMG/TF meeting. GARVELINK