SITUATION REPORT FOR DRC - NOVEMBER 5, 2008,

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000972 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: SITUATION REPORT FOR DRC - NOVEMBER 5, 2008, AS OF 5:30 PM CENTRAL AFRICAN TIME (GMT +1) REF: KINSHASA 967 ¶1. (U) All times Kinshasa (GMT + 1) unless otherwise indicated. Security Situation in Goma -------------- ¶2. (SBU) USAID officer TDY in Goma/Gisenyi reports continued calm in Goma. However, because the possible impact of the PARECO-CNDP fighting (reftel) is unclear, OCHA has recommended that NGO's limit their movements in the field to the essential. The humanitarian mission that had gone out with medical supplies to the Rutshuru area was extracted by MONUC to Rugari and was en route back to Goma earlier in the day. There was additional PARECO-CNDP fighting last night following the first round of violence. ¶3. (SBU) Rutshuru town is currently calm. There has been no fighting on other axes such as Masisi/Sake/ Walikale, though the situation at Walikale is being monitored carefully. ¶4. (SBU) Embassy Kigali has kindly made available to Embassy Kinshasa a lightly-armored Suburban vehicle for the transport of USG officials in Goma. The vehicle is in Gisenyi now and will be brought across the border and fitted with DRC diplomatic plates tomorrow. Embassy Kinshasa's direct-hire driver, with special training, will operate the vehicle. The availability of this vehicle is a significant contribution to the safety of USG personnel who continue to overnight in Rwanda. Stabilization and Humanitarian Developments -------------- ¶5. (SBU) European donors (the UK, France, and the EC) pledged additional funds for humanitarian assistance in North Kivu at a meeting today in Kinshasa, according to USAID information. Political Developments -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Post has received information that Prime Minister Muzito will announce this evening that the GDRC will maintain a ceasefire with the CNDP. He is also expected to announce that General John Numbi, Chief of the Congolese National Police, will be officially designated as the GDRC's interlocutor with Nkunda. Additionally, FARDC "spoilers" such as Etumba and Delphin will be either brought back to Kinshasa or relieved of their authority. ¶7. (SBU) An AU-sponsored summit between Kabila and Kagame is scheduled for Friday in Nairobi. A number of African foreign ministers are expected to attend. Secretary Rice and EU foreign ministers are likely to be invited. BROCK