EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 4

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000197 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 4 ¶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 Issues in South Kivu -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The International Facilitation has sent a letter to MONUC requesting that it postpone plans to close its temporary operating base at Kamombo, which played a positive role in resolving the recent crisis regarding the hostages taken by the FRF. The Facilitation stressed that this base is crucial to the tasks of monitoring the FRF and providing at least a measure of constraint against FRF abuses of the local population, and should therefore remain open until the FRF agrees to enter the integration process. ¶3. (SBU) In a related matter, all South Kivu armed groups, with the exception of the FRF, recently signed a cessation of hostilities agreement in the presence of the Minister of Defense. U.S. personnel note that work still remains to bring the FRF into line. Humanitarian Issues -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Preliminary reports from humanitarian organizations operating in Lubero Territory estimate the displacement of approximately 25,000 households, representing more than 125,000 individuals, in southern Lubero since January 20. ¶5. (SBU) Following clashes between the FARDC and FDLR between February 21 and 24 in Kashebere, Walikale Territory, OCHA noted reports of the arrival of several IDP households from Kashebere in Masisi center. In addition, local officials have registered nearly 6,000 IDP's residing with host families in Walikale and surrounding villages as of February 25. ¶6. (SBU) However, results of a February 24 to 27 joint UN/NGO assessment along the Nyamitabe-Muheto axis in Masisi Territory indicate the onset of spontaneous returns of long-term, previously displaced populations. Returns are attributed to the peace agreements between the government and the CNDP, progress in armed force integration efforts, and disruptions to humanitarian services at IDP camps in Masisi and Lushebere and the absence of services at spontaneous IDP sites, including Bikenge, Busihe, and Mpanamo. ¶7. (SBU) In addition, local authorities report the return of approximately 6,000 IDP's from Masisi center, Kirolirwe, Busumba, Mugunga, and Goma to places of origin in Nyamitaba, Muheto, Muhumba, and surrounding villages since late January. ¶8. (SBU) Still, local populations noted the continuing presence of non-integrated PARECO elements, and the assessment team also observed FARDC and CNDP forces contributing to a fragile security situation. In addition, OCHA recorded seven attacks on relief convoys in North Kivu within a ten day period in February, according to a press report. The report also quoted an OCHA spokesperson as saying that the increased insecurity could force humanitarian agencies to reduce or limit their operations, and that there has been a recent, noticeable surge in violence directed against civilians in the area. GARVELINK