Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KINSHASA159
2009-02-18 13:19:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 18
how-toVZCZCXRO5357 OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #0159 0491319 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 181319Z FEB 09 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9207 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 000159
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 18
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000159
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 18
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 a joint RDF/FARDC force attacked the
FDLR in the North Kivu town of Kashovo, pushing them into South Kivu
to the southwest of Hombo. MONUC patrols observed IDP's on the road
leading to Hombo, but noted that the numbers cited in the press are
exaggerated. Further south, approximately 3,500 IDP's have shown up
in Kalehe after fleeing FDLR movements. Still further south in
Mwenga (southwest of Bukavu),an unknown number of FDLR fighters
have signaled their desire to surrender.
3. (SBU) A reliable contact in EUSEC reported that January salaries
for the FARDC are now available for disbursement, but the total was
only enough for the regular FARDC and did not include payment for
the recently integrated troops. EUSEC efforts to reform the FARDC
have resulted in a substantially bigger payroll. Two years ago, a
second class infantry soldier received only $10 a month; they now
receive $60 per month. A MONUC briefer also noted that recently
integrated battalions may be deployed to areas of possible conflict
within days of integration, but will be withdrawn from action when
the current operation is complete in order to undergo three months
training.
4. (SBU) MONUC patrols in Ishasha (on the Ugandan border) reported
that FARDC soldiers in the town have resorted to looting and firing
weapons into the air. Separately, the Congolese National Police
(PNC) is sending approximately 700 officers to Goma to deploy along
the Rutshuru and Masisi road axes. A MONUC source said 210 arrived
on February 17, with more to follow soon. MONUC will support the
PNC logistically, and also provide mentoring and monitoring.
5. (SBU) Several integration regroupment centers have closed
following the rapid integration and deployment of units. Kibirizi
and Nyalima remain open, and Mubambiro was scheduled to begin
operations on February 17. Mai Mai leaders claim that approximately
10,500 "ex-combatants" from other armed groups want to enter DDR
programs, but MONUC notes that less than 15 percent possess weapons.
Some officials in the FARDC and the GDRC want the DDR program to
accept them anyway, but the UN will attempt to hold the line on the
"one man, one weapon" policy, and channel these ineligibles into
other development programs.
6. (SBU) As of February 17, the DDRRR program has repatriated 1,040
persons to Rwanda since January 1, including 378 ex-combatants.
UNHCR has repatriated 2,909, for a total of 3,942 Rwandan
repatriations this year.
GARVELINK
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - FEBRUARY 18
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 a joint RDF/FARDC force attacked the
FDLR in the North Kivu town of Kashovo, pushing them into South Kivu
to the southwest of Hombo. MONUC patrols observed IDP's on the road
leading to Hombo, but noted that the numbers cited in the press are
exaggerated. Further south, approximately 3,500 IDP's have shown up
in Kalehe after fleeing FDLR movements. Still further south in
Mwenga (southwest of Bukavu),an unknown number of FDLR fighters
have signaled their desire to surrender.
3. (SBU) A reliable contact in EUSEC reported that January salaries
for the FARDC are now available for disbursement, but the total was
only enough for the regular FARDC and did not include payment for
the recently integrated troops. EUSEC efforts to reform the FARDC
have resulted in a substantially bigger payroll. Two years ago, a
second class infantry soldier received only $10 a month; they now
receive $60 per month. A MONUC briefer also noted that recently
integrated battalions may be deployed to areas of possible conflict
within days of integration, but will be withdrawn from action when
the current operation is complete in order to undergo three months
training.
4. (SBU) MONUC patrols in Ishasha (on the Ugandan border) reported
that FARDC soldiers in the town have resorted to looting and firing
weapons into the air. Separately, the Congolese National Police
(PNC) is sending approximately 700 officers to Goma to deploy along
the Rutshuru and Masisi road axes. A MONUC source said 210 arrived
on February 17, with more to follow soon. MONUC will support the
PNC logistically, and also provide mentoring and monitoring.
5. (SBU) Several integration regroupment centers have closed
following the rapid integration and deployment of units. Kibirizi
and Nyalima remain open, and Mubambiro was scheduled to begin
operations on February 17. Mai Mai leaders claim that approximately
10,500 "ex-combatants" from other armed groups want to enter DDR
programs, but MONUC notes that less than 15 percent possess weapons.
Some officials in the FARDC and the GDRC want the DDR program to
accept them anyway, but the UN will attempt to hold the line on the
"one man, one weapon" policy, and channel these ineligibles into
other development programs.
6. (SBU) As of February 17, the DDRRR program has repatriated 1,040
persons to Rwanda since January 1, including 378 ex-combatants.
UNHCR has repatriated 2,909, for a total of 3,942 Rwandan
repatriations this year.
GARVELINK