EAC CONVENES: GOMA SECURITY SITUATION REMAINS TENUOUS

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000952 DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC CG SUBJECT: EAC CONVENES: GOMA SECURITY SITUATION REMAINS TENUOUS ¶1. (SBU) Post convened an EAC meeting on October 30 to discuss yesterday's evacuation of USG staff and the current security situation in Eastern DRC. EAC recommended continued travel restriction to Eastern Congo and all Mission staff remain in Gisenyi until further notice. ¶2. (SBU) American Citizens in North Kivu Consular reported forty-four American citizens are currently in the North Kivu area. Warden notices were sent through the consular notification system regarding the deteriorating security situation in North Kivu. One third of the Americans had already left the region, another third decided to remain in the Goma area, and Consular was having difficulty contacting the final third. ¶3. (SBU) Improved Communications EAC discussed the potential repercussions of the fighting in the East in Kinshasa in following days, and stressed the urgency of ensuring embassy communication lists are accurate and up to date. Post's new cellular phone message texting system is expected to come online today, which will increase the speed and coverage of emergency messaging. In addition, Post's phone list databases are being revalidated. Post's management is instructing all LES to ensure contact information is current and accurate. A Management Notice will be distributed to all embassy staff this afternoon, detailing the EAC's decisions and recommending preparatory steps for possible demonstrations within Kinshasa. ¶4. (SBU) Reverse Tripwires EAC also discussed reverse tripwires and recommended only essential personnel return to Goma when the following conditions are met: - Cessation of fighting within 20 kilometers of Goma. - Civil order restored within Goma. - Secure perimeter established within 20 kilometers of Goma. ¶5. (SBU) Post remains concerned about the potential for violent demonstrations within Kinshasa, especially anti-MONUC demonstrations. Post will continue to closely monitor the situation and report ongoing developments. ¶6. (U) POC is RSO Christopher K. Gu at 243.81.884.4608 (cell) or 243.81.556.0151 ext. 2207 (IVG 934). BROCK