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.)

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