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
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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
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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.

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