Goma Report September 25: Further FARDC

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000806 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS KPKO PHUM PREF CG SUBJECT: Goma Report September 25: Further FARDC Penetration in Northern CDNP Sector ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On the day FARDC was meant to have started withdrawing from the eastern zone of separation, September 25, it penetrated further into CNDP territory in the northern sector. A demonstration against MONUC and U.S. NGOs may occur September 26 in Rutshuru. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Guns were quiet over North Kivu September 25. According to the plan of disengagement approved by the government September 18, today was the day when FARDC was meant to have begun withdrawing from positions held into the eastern zone of separation (Rutshuru corridor). Quite the opposite of fulfilling multiple promises to this effect, FARDC reinforced its forward positions at Mutabo and Ntamugenga, within the projected zone of separation. (CNDP also claimed in a press statement that FARDC was bringing up heavy artillery at Rumangabo.) ¶3. (SBU) Meanwhile, with a curious lack of opposition by CNDP, FARDC continued its forward movement into CNDP territory in the northern sector. FARDC moved from its previous position at Rujebeshe (east of Katsiru) five kilometers into CNDP territory at Mashango. Further east, it continued its move of September 24 south of its previous position at Kisheshe, into the buffer zone at Bambu, into CNDP territory through Butare and now Kabizo, 12 to 14 kilometers into CNDP territory. (There were also claims during the day that FARDC had even occupied the key strategic town of Tongo, on the single road connecting CNDP territory directly to Rutshuru, but North Kivu could not confirm this claim.) Local FARDC commanders told the North Kivu brigade that they had received orders "from high command," while General Lukama continues to claim he has given contrary orders. There was no fighting as FARDC moved forward into this entire CNDP zone, but General Rawat assesses that CNDP is preparing to counterattack. ¶4. (SBU) MONUC sent a francophone team to Rutshuru during the day to try to convince local leaders to sensitize the population to accept a FARDC withdrawal from Ntamugenga, Mutabo, and Kisherero and a MONUC move into the zone of separation. However, Mercy Corps has reported that a large demonstration is planned tomorrow September 26 in Rutshuru and nearby Kiwanja to condemn both MONUC and U.S. NGOs. The team also went into CNDP territory to Bunagana, where CNDP officers stated that CNDP would make no withdrawal of forces until FARDC had withdrawn from positions occupied within buffer zones and within CNDP territory. (Note: While North Kivu brigade continues to provide no confirmation, CNDP appears to have re-occupied Kanombe, the position it occupied on August 28 within the Rutshuru buffer zone, from which it subsequently withdrew under MONUC pressure. End note.) BROCK