EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 4

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000111 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 4 ¶1. (U) The items contained in this report consist principally of spot information from various sources. This report is not exhaustive, nor can all the information contained therein be confirmed at this time. DRC-Rwandan Joint Operations -------------- ¶2. (SBU) MONUC reported that two RDF battalions and one FARDC battalion have mover further west towards Pinga, approaching FDLR-held territory. Radio Okapi reported that 13 FLDR combatants surrendered at Kiseguru, near Nyamilima in Rutshuru Territory. Although the numbers of those surrendering and those requesting repatriation have risen noticeably, some sources speculated to Goma PolOff that the bulk are FDLR dependents seeking safety. ¶3. (SBU) In Masisi, joint operation forces have reportedly destroyed the headquarters of General Sylvestre Mudachumura in the village of Kalonge. Mudachumura is wanted for his involvement in the 1994 genocide. Following the attack on his headquarters, Mudachumura is reportedly "on the run." ¶4. (SBU) There are signs that operational coordination between the FARDC/RDF and MONUC has improved. MONUC commanders have received a copy of the overall FARDC/RDF operational plan, but they are unwilling to share its contents. MONUC's insistence that it will not provide logistical support without knowledge of the plan may have motivated FARDC/RDF commanders to share it with MONUC. Top commanders told MONUC Force Commander General Gaye that they wanted more coordination at the tactical level. Rwandan CHOD James Kabarebe reportedly told Gaye that MONUC can play a role as "guarantor" that the RDF has not committed any atrocities in the DRC. ¶5. (SBU) MONUC continues to play a major role in the integration process. Some CNDP and Pareco elements have allegedly complained that the pace of the integration is too fast, with questions of rank, benefits, and deployment locations unresolved. There are rumors that additional Mai Mai groups want to integrate, perhaps even General Lafontaine's wing. Lafontaine is presently in Goma, holding discussions with General Numbi. ¶6. (SBU) Radio Okapi quotes a local administrator in Kalehe in South Kivu as claiming that 1,500 new IDPs are at Ramba and an additional 1,000 at Chofi. According to the administrator, the IDPs fled after a series of FDLR meetings, at which FDLR leaders warned that the local population "would pay with their blood." ¶7. (SBU) Goma PolOff and USAID/DART team leader traveled to Minova on February 3 to investigate reports of new IDP movements. Several IDPs recounted unconfirmed stories of RDF killings of some villagers, followed by retaliatory killings by the FDLR. The local OCHA representative had no information on RDF or FDLR killings. (Comment: As coordinator for local NGOs, the OHCA rep would probably be aware of any large-scale killings. However, it is possible that some random killings could have taken place in the more remote villages, where there is no NGO presence. End Comment.) GARVELINK