EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 6

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000122

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 6


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.


Operation Umoja Wetu (Our Unity)
--------------


2. (SBU) MONUC reported that on February 5, an RDF battalion
marched into Pinga, traditionally an FDLR stronghold, encountering
no resistance. FDLR forces have apparently withdrawn further west,
either to regroup or to avoid confrontation in the hopes of "waiting
out" the operation. Some MONUC sources even speculated that the
FDLR could retreat as far as the vast and sparsely populated Maiko
Park in Orientale Province. MONUC did, however, note that on
February 4 a sizable FDLR group had moved east from Walikale,
indicating the possibility of a clash in the area.


3. (SBU) FDLR mobilization in South Kivu continues, with the group
allegedly blocking exit routes near the towns of Lubhimbi and
Lulunkulu, raising fears that the FDLR might hold civilians as
hostages or human shields. Further south, the FDLR has reportedly
laid traps, such as anti-personnel mines, near Kahenge, Kanenge and
Mulenge. Yakutumba Mai Mai have reiterated that they will fight the
RDF troops.


4. (SBU) Although the GDRC and GoR maintain that Operation Umoja
Wetu is a joint effort, MONUC noted that the RDF continues to
operate independently in all forward positions. The Joint
Operations Center in Goma conducts no operational planning, but
cooperation at the most senior military levels - between DRC General
Numbi, RDF CHOD Kabarebe, and MONUC Force Commander Gaye - is
reportedly excellent. DRC CHOD Etumba, who has been out of the loop
in the planning, now reportedly attends FARDC/RDF/MONUC briefings.



5. (SBU) MONUC continues to redeploy its bases to anticipate
possible FDLR reprisals. Temporary Operating Bases have been
established an Ngungu, Kibua, Malemo, and Pinga. MONUC has also
begun deploying Joint Protection Teams (JPT),consisting of
officials from the Protection, Civil Affairs, and Political Affairs
Divisions of MONUC. The JPTs will work alongside MONUC military to
help improve protection of civilians.


Integration Efforts
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6. (SBU) The FARDC proceeds with integration efforts. As of
February 5, a total of 1,263 troops integrated into new units,
including 632 CNDP troops. MONUC will transport 350 Pareco troops
from Beni to Kisangani to undergo integration. Command of the
integrated units is mixed.


7. (SBU) A prominent Mai Mai leader told Goma PolOff that many
Pareco troops were originally recruited from FDLR ranks. With all
Pareco factions apparently committed to integration, this creates a
situation where FARDC Hutu soldiers will be tasked with fighting
their former FDLR colleagues. The contact speculated that some of
the integrated troops might contact FDLR forces to divulge FARDC
intentions.


8. (SBU) According to MONUC Kinshasa, fast-track mobile integration
centers have been established at Kikuku, Nyaleke, and Rutshuru.
These centers complement the "classic" integration centers at
Mubambiro, Rumangabo, and Kimoka. Some contacts in Goma and
Kinshasa have raised concerns that rapid integration could entail
longer-term risks.


Ituri Update
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9. (SBU) During a February 5 briefing to the diplomatic community,
MONUC noted that the security situation in Ituri has worsened since
January 27. On January 28, FPRI rebels attacked the FARDC camp at
Tchey, wounding several soldiers. On February 3, FPRI rebels
attacked a civilian truck in the area, killing three and wounding
others. Some have speculated that this uptick in violence may be
related to the on-going trial of Thomas Lubanga, whom the ICC has
accused of committing war crimes in Ituri. An ICC team will conduct
a fact-finding visit to Ituri this month.

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