Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KINSHASA154
2009-02-17 15:53:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:  

EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 17

Tags:  PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO4460
OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #0154 0481553
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 171553Z FEB 09
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9200
INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000154 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 17

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000154

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 17


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 in Eastern DRC
--------------


2. (SBU) MONUC reported that the FPRI attacked the village of
Kileheye, in the vicinity of Lake Albert in Ituri District. MONUC
officials in Bunia have warned that FPRI and FPJC elements remain
active in the area around Lake Albert. The head of the MONUC office
in Bunia claims as many as 8,200 such elements are in Ituri
(Comment: We believe it highly unlikely that the number of active
fighters there is anywhere near this number. End comment).
Separately, a MONUC civil affairs officer in Bunia told PolOff that
the important point was that the local population and administration
have no sympathy for the militias and will not assist them.


3. (SBU) MONUC also reported that formed CNDP units appear to be
joining the 85th brigade, which has worked closely with FDLR miners
in the region north of Walikale. MONUC sources have counted more
than 500 CNDP fighters airlifted from Goma to Walikale, Kindu and
Nyabiondo. MONUC has been unable to verify rumors that CNDP
commander Makenge may be put in charge of these fighters, or given a
role in the 85th brigade (Comment: The 85th has long provided
protection for the FDLR in the region, even helping the rebels to
hunt down deserters on occasion. If the 85th in its current form is
dismantled, it will send a powerful signal that the FARDC is serious
about pushing the FDLR out of the mining sites. End comment).


4. (SBU) FARDC salaries are late, but disbursement may have started
over the weekend. General Numbi must authorize pay for the hastily
integrated CNDP, and the new expense could be a problem that could
put pressure on the coalition. In addition, MONUC sees no
indication that the RDF has prepared to launch operations in South
Kivu (Comment: There would be no time for such operations if the RDF
is going to adhere to its end of the month deadline to vacate the
DRC. End comment). However, MONUC will support the FARDC if they
decide to take on the FDLR in South Kivu on their own.

GARVELINK