EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 17: ONGOING INSECURITY IN KIVUS

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000246 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 17: ONGOING INSECURITY IN KIVUS AND ORIENTALE ¶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. Continuing LRA Attacks -------------- ¶2. (U) Both Caritas and MSF have issued press releases with information that the LRA attacked the village of Banda (approximately 140 kilometers northwest of Dungu) on the night of March 14-15. Caritas announced that an unknown number of people were killed and injured in the attack, 200 were kidnapped, and that at least 2,000 people fled the area. ¶3. (SBU) Separately, an NGO contact from Haut-Ulele reported to USG personnel that his sources allege that there are Arabic speakers in the LRA that may have links to Sudan. The contact also noted that there is reportedly an LRA camp in a section of forest north of Banda, and that his group will be delivering tarps and medication by air into Dungu this week; they also plan to deliver supplies to Faradje, Bangadi, and Doruma. He passed on reports that populations in Haut-Uele are at risk of starvation, as they cannot leave the towns to reach their crops. Continuing Insecurity in North Kivu -------------- ¶4. (SBU) A journalist and an NGO contact recently told post that a situation of insecurity still prevails in parts of North Kivu, particularly in rural areas. Specifically, some parallel administrations set up by the CNDP last year are still operating (as well as certain checkpoints and toll/tax collections) and these administrators are determined to remain in power. ¶5. (U) Radio Okapi reported that the FDLR killed eight persons in Masisi territory on March 14 and 15, four of whom were FARDC soldiers. ¶6. (SBU) Comment: Despite a certain amount of success by the recent joint operations in North Kivu and Haut-Uele, the LRA and FDLR are clearly still active and able to perpetuate violence as before. We do not see any sign for the moment that such violence will abate. End comment. GARVELINK