EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 11

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000138 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 11 REF: KINSHASA 128 ¶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. Special Parliamentary Session on RDF/FARDC Operations? -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) According to Radio Okapi, a group of DRC deputies will present National Assembly President Vital Kamerhe with a petition (reftel),signed by 262 parliamentarians, requesting a special parliamentary session to discuss the presence of Rwandan troops in the DRC. Kamerhe, who is returning from a visit in the U.S., has the sole authority to convoke an extraordinary session. Observers noted that, even if Kamerhe does not call a special session, parliament will take up the issue when it returns in March. Obasanjo and Holmes Visits -------------- ¶3. (U) UN Special Envoy Olusegun Obasanjo was in Kinshasa February 10 for "regular consultations" with GDRC and MONUC officials. According to MONUC spokesman, Obasanjo will travel to Kigali before flying to Goma. ¶4. (U) UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes wrapped up his DRC visit with a Kinshasa press conference, stressing the importance of respect for human rights and civilian protection in the operations against the FDLR and LRA. Holmes also announced that the UN would soon provide additional humanitarian assistance for displaced populations in the East. Operation Lightning Thunder -------------- ¶5. (SBU) According to Radio Okapi, LRA rebels attacked the town of Aba in Faradje Territory the night of February 8, killing one inhabitant. A civil society contact in Aba reported that LRA elements looted businesses and a hospital. The rebels reportedly kidnapped 8 people to transport their looted goods, later releasing six. The civil society contact said that the inhabitants of Aba are traumatized, with many residents in the area fleeing towards southern Sudan. GARVELINK