EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 6; THE

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000222 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 6; THE ALLEGED RWANDOPHONE AGENDA ¶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. ¶2. (SBU) USG personnel in Goma met recently with a Congolese civilian who has worked extensively with armed groups in the Kivus for over a decade. His current position is to support the integration process through the Amani office in Goma. The conversation focused on an alleged "Rwandophone agenda" in North Kivu. The interlocutor is from a non-Rwandophone ethnic group. ¶3. (SBU) The contact asserted that the "Rwandophone agenda" is being aggressively pursued in North Kivu and that prominent Congolese officials are well advised to avoid speaking out against it as Congolese and Rwandan officials are monitoring the situation. He asserted that there is a systematic takeover of integrated FARDC units by Rwandophone officers and that instructions have been issued to those implementing integration to ensure that non-Rwandophones are excluded from command responsibility at the unit level. He also alleged that RDF (Hutu) elements have now merged into the FARDC. ¶4. (SBU) The contact noted that the zone allegedly under Rwandophone control includes not only Kanyabayonga town (a key strategic point on the escarpment above the Rwindi plain),but also 60 percent of Lubero District, including Lubero town, which extends deep into Nande country. The contact maintains that the Nande are weak militarily and have no choice but to accept what will eventually be the division of North Kivu into Rwandophone and non-Rwandophone provinces. ¶5. (SBU) Non-Rwandophones, the contact stated, are becoming increasingly aware of developments and are beginning to resist what they perceive is a plan for Rwandophone domination over much of North Kivu. The strongest resistance so far is from the Hunde. Colonel Janvier, the Hunde Mai Mai leader of what used to be the Hunde wing of PARECO is in Goma and he is surrounded by a robust contingent of bodyguards. The Hunde still control the terrain between Masisi town and Walikale, which, the interlocutor stated, explains why Rwandan units now in control of Walikale had to be airlifted in. ¶6. (SBU) The contact noted that there are also dissident CNDP members who oppose the Rwandophone agenda and would be prepared to fight Rwandans to prevent its implementation. He added that several FARDC commanders share these feelings as well. ¶7. (SBU) With respect to South Kivu, the contact stated that SK armed groups will not participate in integration in any meaningful way, despite the cessation of hostilities agreement signed last week. Militia fragmentation and the formation of new groups are to be expected and are indeed already happening. ¶8. (SBU) Comment: We note that the views articulated by this individual, particularly regarding a growing divide between Rwandophone and non-Rwandophone groups, are consistent with reports from other sources. We will continue to monitor developments closely. End comment. GARVELINK