EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 3

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000194 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 3 ¶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 North Kivu Province -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On February 27, the UN reported that MONUC escorts for UN vehicles travelling along the axis between Kiwanja, Rutshuru Territory, and Lubero, Lubero Territory, are required due to insecurity in the area associated with FDLR civilian attacks and clashes with the FARDC. Separately, on March 1, unidentified armed men attacked a commercial vehicle outside of Kaseghe, Lubero Territory, resulting in five civilian deaths. ¶3. (SBU) On March 2, OCHA reported that the FDLR released a message warning civilian populations to leave areas west of the Kayna-Lubero axis in Lubero Territory prior to the arrival of advancing FDLR forces fleeing the FARDC operation, or the FDLR would massacre remaining civilians. ¶4. (SBU) Additionally, according to OCHA reports, operations against the FDLR have resulted in increased attacks against civilian populations and acts of banditry along the main road axis in southern Lubero, leading to increased population displacement and a reduced humanitarian presence. Overall, as of February 27, OCHA continues to note reports of population displacement in areas of Masisi, Walikale, and southern Lubero territories with simultaneous returns in other parts of Masisi Territory and southern Rutshuru Territory. ¶5. (SBU) On February 28 and March 1, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited Goma to meet with MONUC officials and local government representatives, in addition to visiting the Kibati IDP camp, located 12 kilometers north of Goma. The Secretary General called for greater cooperation between MONUC and FARDC forces to implement an expansion of joint operations against the FDLR and ensure civilian protection in North Kivu Province, as well as Orientale Province, where LRA attacks have resulted in 900 civilian deaths and an estimated 150,000 IDP's since September 2008. GARVELINK