SITUATION REPORT FOR DRC - OCTOBER 30, 2008,

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000953 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: SITUATION REPORT FOR DRC - OCTOBER 30, 2008, AS OF 6:00 PM CENTRAL AFRICAN TIME (GMT +1) ¶1. (U) All times Kinshasa (GMT + 1) unless otherwise indicated. Security Situation in Goma -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Poloff spoke with MONUC contact in Goma at 1:45 p.m. who said that the situation in town appeared to be much improved. People were moving about in the streets and stores were open. He reported that UN staff members were authorized today to conduct limited, mission essential movements, though they were to return to their regroupment sites by 5:00 p.m. In addition, he understood that some IDPs around Goma were returning to the camp at Kibati, a good signal. ¶3. (SBU) At 4:00 p.m., Poloff attended a UN briefing in Kinshasa, at which it was reported that FARDC remnants circulate in "small groups" in Goma, but that it is difficult to tell precisely how many are in town (MONUC estimates approximately one battalion). Around 100-150 Republican Guard soldiers are also present in Goma. ¶4. (SBU) The Director of MONUC Political Affairs noted that MONUC is attempting to arrange for the withdrawal of all FARDC soldiers from Goma as they are more of a "nuisance" than anything. He also declared that MONUC cannot with certainty prevent CNDP infiltration of Goma and that, if the CNDP were to start fighting within the city, MONUC would have to concentrate on defending provincial institutions and UN facilities. He stressed that MONUC cannot fight in the place of the FARDC, it is not a substitution force. Press Reports -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Radio Okapi reported today that the FARDC stated that there were no fights today between their forces and the CNDP, and that the FARDC has total control of Goma. CNDP Statement -------------- ¶6. (SBU) A statement released under Nkunda's signature declared that the CNDP has opened "humanitarian corridors" to allow those displaced to return home and to facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations. Frazer visit -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Assistant Secretary Jendayi Frazer met today with SRSG Alan Doss and senior MONUC officials, members of the Congolese military's high command, and President Kabila. She is scheduled to do a press event this evening. BROCK