EAC APPROVES USG STAFF RETURNING TO WORK IN GOMA; POST

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000960 DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/EX SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC CG SUBJECT: EAC APPROVES USG STAFF RETURNING TO WORK IN GOMA; POST REVIEWS SECURITY FOR UPCOMING EVENTS REF: (a) 08 STATE 116029 (b) 08 STATE 116029 (c) 08 KINSHASA 952 (d) 08 KINSHASA 945 ¶1. (SBU) On November 1, Post's EAC approved USG employees to resume work in Goma during the operating hours of the Congolese and Rwandan border. However, all employees must return to Gisenyi, Rwanda by 1700 hours each day until further notice. ¶2. (SBU) The decision to allow employees to return to Goma during working hours was based on a careful review of information on the situation in the area. In addition, the Charge and ARSO visited Goma on October 31 and believe this course of action is justified under present circumstances. The consular officer immediately made all appropriate notifications regarding the EAC's decision through consular notifications systems. ¶3. (SBU) Due to recent events, Post reviewed security arrangements for the planned election events and the Marine Corps Ball. Post's election event will be held at the Joint Administrative Office compound on November 5, with an expected 200-250 invitees. The Marine Corps Ball will be held at the Memling Hotel on November 7 with attendance limited to 200 guests. RSO consulted with regional and GDRC contacts and determined that there were no known threats against USG at this time. RSO will provide additional security coverage for both events with local guards, surveillance detection specialists, and host government police officers. The LGF will utilize WTMDs and other protective equipment to properly screen all attendees. ¶4. (SBU) The EAC and the RSO will continue to monitor the situation. ¶5. (U) POC is RSO Christopher K. Gu at 243.81.884.4608 (cell) or 243.81.556.0151 ext. 2207 (IVG 934). BROCK