EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 12

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000145

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 12


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.

Security Situation
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2. (SBU) MONUC noted reports of clashes between FDLR and FARDC
forces west of Luofo in Lubero Territory. RDF troops have moved
from Pinga in Walikale Territory southwest towards Lukweti in Masisi
Territory. According to MONUC, additional RDF deployments are
located in Nyamalina and along the axis between Masisi and
Walikale.


3. (SBU) Several local sources in South Kivu reported that FDLR
cadre continue to prevent civilians from leaving a heavily populated
area directly west of Lake Kivu. While some observers fear the FDLR
may retaliate against the population or use people as human shields,
others opine that the FDLR remains dependent on the locals for the
provision of its food, and are simply protecting its supply.


4. (SBU) The UN will deploy Joint Protection Teams (JPT) to five
sites in North Kivu: Pinga, Nyamilima, Nyabiondo, Kanyabayonga, and
Walikale. Another JPT is planned for Dungu in Orientale Province.
The JPTs consist of personnel from MONUC's Political Affairs, Civil
Affairs, and Child Protection Divisions, as well as OCHA. The teams
will assess areas considered to be at greatest risk for displacement
and humanitarian assistance, and attempt to preposition assistance
to these areas. All of the JPTs should be operational by the end of
this week.

Integration Process
--------------


5. (SBU) The Mubambiro integration site was scheduled to open on
February 11. This site focuses primarily on the integration of
Pareco into the FARDC. While some armed Pareco are participating in
the accelerated integration process, others are unarmed, with little
training, so they will undergo the regular integration process.


6. (SBU) Goma PolOff reported that the large increase in CNDP
integration numbers over the last week was impressive, but some
observers believe that some CNDP units have been formed as companies
or even battalions, rather than as integrated units within the
FARDC.


7. (SBU) The integration effort will now focus on CNDP units near
Masisi. Colonel Makenge, the CNDP's military commander, reportedly
leads these units. Makenge was initially reluctant to join the
internal revolt against Nkunda, as well as to integrate into the
FARDC. (Comment: Makenge may insist that troops loyal to him be
retained as formed units. If he does, the accelerated integration
process remains far from complete, and the specter of dissatisfied
CNDP units refusing to affiliate with the FARDC remains a real
possibility. End Comment.)

Humanitarian Situation
--------------


8. (SBU) OHCA reported that, as of February 8, 2,641 IDP households
(approximately 12,300 individuals) remained in Goma-area public
sites, representing less than half of the IDP populations at the
peak of displacement. Remaining IDP's have been given the option of
relocating to Mungunga III IDP camp, co-locating with host families,
or returning to areas of origin, as additional assistance will not
be provided at public site locations. According to OHCA, the
majority of IDP's have expressed a desire to return home.


9. (SBU) A February 11 USAID/DART assessment trip from Goma to
Rutshuru town revealed significant population returns throughout
villages and towns along the main road in formerly CNDP-held
territory. This area includes Kibumba, Rugari, Rubare, Rutshuru,
and Kiwanja.


10. (SBU) OCHA representative shared two scenarios as part of
contingency planning for South Kivu. In the first scenario, the
joint operations remain concentrated in North Kivu, with a spill
over to South Kivu affecting 422,000 people, including 125,000 IDP's
from North to South Kivu. In the second scenario, the joint
operations expand into South Kivu, affecting 422,000 people, but
with 250,000 IDP's. In both scenarios, humanitarian access remains
reduced because of potential clashes between FARDC/RDF and FDLR
forces.

Obasanjo Visit

KINSHASA 00000145 002 OF 002


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11. (U) Radio Okapi reported that UN Special Envoy Olusegun
Obasanjo, during a February 11 visit to Goma, met separately with
MONUC, CNDP, and GDRC officials, all of whom "were speaking the same
language" regarding the question of the Nairobi political talks.
Obasanjo reportedly called for an early resumption of the talks,
adding that other armed groups, such as the Mai Mai and Pareco,
should also be included. CNDP Spokesman Kambasu Ngeve reiterated
that the CNDP had turned away from military issues to concentrate on
political questions.

Operation Lightning Thunder
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12. (SBU) MONUC Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Colonel Cunliffe reported
that the UPDF Commander in Dungu, Patrick Kankiriho, was willing to
set up a Joint Operations Center with MONUC in Dungu to coordinate
and share information.

GARVELINK