GOMA NOTES: CNDP RETAKES RUMANGABO

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000931 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS KPKO PHUM PREF CG SUBJECT: GOMA NOTES: CNDP RETAKES RUMANGABO ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The CNDP has retaken the FARDC base at Rumangabo, as well as the town of Rumangabo. The CNDP claimed its actions were 'pre-emptive.' The fighting died down by nightfall October 26, but there is concern that the Goma-Rutshuru road will be blocked, something MONUC has consistently said it will not allow. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) On the morning of October 26, the CNDP retook the FARDC camp at Rumangabo, as well as the town of Rumangabo. CNDP Spokesman Bertrand Bisimwa claimed that the CNDP had been 'obligated' to take back Rumangabo because the FARDC had been attacking CNDP positions at Ntamugenga and Busanza the past four days. Bisimwa told Goma poloff that the CNDP had intercepted a letter from FARDC Colonel Delphin to MONUC, in which Delphin claimed the FARDC would soon attack the strategically important town of Tongo. Thus, in the view of the CNDP, their attack on Rumangabo was 'pre-emptive.' ¶3. (SBU) The fighting died down by nightfall on October 26. MONUC has contacted the CNDP requesting that the rebel group evacuate the area. There is some fear that the fighting could block the Goma-Rutshuru road to commercial and humanitarian traffic. MONUC has consistently stated that it would not allow the road to be blocked. Many local residents, including IDP's have fled towards Goma. BROCK