EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 5

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000202 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 5 ¶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 North Kivu and Orientale -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On February 27, unidentified armed men looted USAID/OFDA implementing partner Premiere Urgence's compound in Goma and robbed staff present of valuables. No one was harmed during the event. ¶3. (SBU) UNHCR released a statement highlighting the impact of LRA activity and associated insecurity in Haut Uele District and advocating for an increased FARDC and MONUC presence to enhance civilian protection and facilitate humanitarian response efforts. Despite the current FARDC and MONUC presence in the area, including 350 MONUC troops in Dungu and two MONUC helicopters, UNHCR emphasized the need for a more robust force. ¶4. (SBU) According to UNHCR, LRA attacks in the district have resulted in nearly 900 civilian deaths and the displacement of approximately 143,000 people since September 2008, including more than 50 LRA attacks in the district since December 2008. In addition, refugee camps and host families are accommodating more than 15,000 Congolese refugees from Haut Uele in southern Sudan. GARVELINK