Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KINSHASA277
2009-03-26 12:55:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:  

EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 26: FURTHER ANALYSIS OF

Tags:  PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG 
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OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #0277 0851255
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 261255Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9366
INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000277 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 26: FURTHER ANALYSIS OF
GDRC-CNDP AGREEMENT

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000277

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - MARCH 26: FURTHER ANALYSIS OF
GDRC-CNDP AGREEMENT


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.

Aftermath of GDRC-CNDP Agreement
--------------


2. (SBU) A number of our contacts have characterized the signing of
the agreement between the GDRC and the CNDP and between the GDRC and
the other armed groups on March 23 as the formal end of a conflict
that began with the original emergence of the CNDP. Others are less
optimistic, noting that the North and South Kivu armed groups are
generally unhappy because they felt pressured to sign an agreement
they had no hand in drafting, and because they feel the CNDP has
received preferential treatment. They note as well that the FDLR
has not been significantly weakened and has returned to many areas
that it had abandoned when the RDF swept through North Kivu.
Negotiations over the past several weeks have been a private affair
between the CNDP and the GDRC, although it is not even clear that
the CNDP rank and file support the agreement. At least 4,500 CNDP
fighters have been "integrated" but many remain in their former
positions with only a change in uniform.


3. (SBU) Comment: Despite widespread discontent, it seems clear
that the GDRC-CNDP agreement did bring about at least one
significant outcome: it brought the international mediation of
Obasanjo and Mkapa to a close. The GDRC, clearly uncomfortable with
Obasanjo's interpretation of his mandate to effect change in the
DRC, can now handle negotiations without what it views as UN and AU
interference. It would also appear that the international community
in general has been marginalized, in stark contrast with the Goma
conference in January 2008. If the agreement holds, the GDRC is a
clear winner, having made few commitments or concessions. End
Comment.

Security Situation in the Kivus
--------------


4. (SBU) A rivalry between two separate FARDC units in Haut Uele
led to a recent shooting incident that left one FARDC soldier dead.
Separately, FDLR fighters attacked a FARDC base in the village of
Kisheshe (north of Tongo) on the night of March 22. Two FDLR and
one FARDC soldier were reportedly killed in the shoot-out. In
addition, MONUC has confirmed that the FDLR burned seven homes last
week in Bunyakiri in South Kivu. Elements of the FARDC 85th brigade
are scheduled to deploy to the area this week.


5. (SBU) A PARECO commander in the vicinity of Pinga, General
Ntansibanga, has urged his fighters to reject integration with the
FARDC. According to MONUC briefers, he has threatened to join up
with FDLR forces and fight against the integrated FARDC (Comment:
Diplomats in Goma are unfamiliar with this general, but his
dissatisfaction with the integration process is widely shared. Many
armed groups feel the CNDP is receiving special treatment, while
their concerns are ignored. End comment).

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