EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 9

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000028 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 9 ¶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. CNDP Internal Discord -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The CNDP released a communique on January 8, conforming to the traditional style and format and signed by spokesperson Bertrand Bisimwa, which refuted Bosco's claims that he had taken over the CNDP. It stated that the CNDP remained unified and that any attempt to take over the movement was a grave offense. It noted that Bosco's announcement (though he is not mentioned by name in the document) followed a meeting of the CNDP high command to address issues such as the overall functioning of the CNDP's armed force and security for the people living in CNDP controlled zones. The text underlined that Bosco and his "accomplice" (presumably Bosco's spokesperson, Desire Kamanzi) will face charges and that the CNDP's internal discipline committee will levy appropriate sanctions. ¶3. (SBU) The text of the communique affirmed the legitimacy of the negotiating team in Nairobi, but Bosco's spokesperson declared to the press on January 8, that his group did not recognize the team in Nairobi as legitimate. He also "invited" Nkunda to accept his ouster and cooperate with the new leadership of the CNDP. Separately, MONUC reported that Obasanjo will meet Nkunda today in Bunagana. ¶4. (SBU) Amongst post's interlocutors, there continues to be notable differences as to the severity of the split within the CNDP and who is actually in charge. A senior OCHA official told us on January 8 that Nkunda remains in firm control of the CNDP and that the problem between Bosco and Nkunda relates to disputes over money, resources, and inter-clan/family rivalries; she also did not discount the possibility that Nkunda had planned to turn Bosco over to MONUC. A prominent leader of Banyamulenge civil society in Kinshasa told us on January 9, by contrast, that Nkunda would never hand over Bosco and inferred that this dispute could pose a serious challenge to the coherence of the CNDP (septel). He did second, however, the analysis that this discord is not ideological in nature, but is rather connected to personal problems between Nkunda and Bosco and local clan/family rivalries. Security Situation in the Kivus -------------- ¶5. (SBU) MONUC reported that five child soldiers escaped from the CNDP on January 8 and also that the latter handed over to MONUC three child soldiers who allegedly had been with PARECO. In addition, FDLR fighters stopped a group of Mai-Mai combatants who were engaged in looting at Nyalima. MONUC continues to reinforce Ishasha and plans to establish a Company Operating Base there. GARVELINK