EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 2

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000189

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 2


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.

FDLR Issues
--------------


2. (SBU) As part of the February 25 ceremony held in Goma to mark
the end of the joint FARDC/RDF military operation against the FDLR
and the withdrawal of RDF forces from the DRC, approximately 3,500
RDF soldiers and military trucks crossed the Goma border to Rwanda,
according to MONUC. Subsequently, an additional 1,500 RDF soldiers
returned to Rwanda on February 26, effectively completing the
withdrawal of RDF forces from the DRC, with the exception of a
limited number of officers remaining to conclude operation
reporting, according to UN reports.


3. (SBU) Despite the conclusion of the joint military operation,
MONUC and the UN note the continued presence of armed groups in
North Kivu and associated insecurity. The FDLR problem remains
unresolved and continues to represent a threat to civilian
populations, particularly in areas formerly controlled by the RDF
and now vulnerable to the return of FDLR forces due to the
inadequate presence of FARDC and/or MONUC troops.

Humanitarian Issues in North Kivu
--------------


4. (SBU) Population movement in North Kivu is characterized by
displacement in areas associated with the former joint operation
against FDLR forces, including southern Lubero, Masisi, and Walikale
territories. Concurrently, USAID/DART, UN, and NGO reports note IDP
returns to areas of origin in southern Rutshuru Territory and
pockets of Walikale and Masisi territories where FARDC operations
have moved on and calm has returned.


5. (SBU) On February 25, USAID/DART staff observed nine trucks
transporting approximately 450 IDP's from Goma north to areas of
origin in Rutshuru Territory. On February 25, OCHA also reported
the recent return of 208 IDP households from Mungunga III to areas
of origin in Rutshuru Territory, representing approximately 1,000
IDP's.


6. (SBU) Local authorities in Masisi Territory report the return of
more than 13,000 IDP's displaced within the territory as a result of
insecurity associated with the joint military operation, including
3,548 in Muheto, 1,752 in Rucyo, 1,464 in Mburamazi, 2,376 in Buku,
3,144 in Kishebere, and 956 in Kishondja. However, officials note
that the lack of humanitarian assistance in areas of displacement
may have contributed to IDP returns. Limited humanitarian access
resulting from insecurity and damaged infrastructure continues to
impede the delivery of assistance to conflict-affected populations
in Masisi Territory.

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