Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KINSHASA31
2009-01-13 11:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 13
how-toVZCZCXRO5516 OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #0031 0131141 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 131141Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9029 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 000031
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 13
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000031
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 13
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.
FDLR Issues
--------------
2. (SBU) MONUC Force Commander Gaye told Goma PolOff, MIST team
members, and State Department contractor Nicholas Jenks on January
12 that FARDC operations against the FDLR would begin "very soon,"
perhaps on February 1. Gaye has not seen the operational plan
developed by the GDRC and the GoR, but expects that MONUC will be
asked to play a supporting role. He added that MONUC has come into
contact with FDLR fighters who are aware they will be targets and
are showing increasing willingness to return to Rwanda.
3. (SBU) Gaye expects that the FDLR will retaliate against
civilians in the event of operations, seeking to provoke an
international outcry against the atrocities as a means to pressure
the GDRC and GoR to halt the attacks. Colonel Cunliffe of MONUC
added that the organization is likely to be criticized for failing
to protect civilians, despite being left out of the planning
process.
Security Issues in North Kivu
--------------
4. (SBU) UN security officials reported fighting between CNDP and
Mai-Mai forces in Mabenga, Rutshuru Territory, on January 9 and 10.
Firefights also ensued between FARDC and Mai-Mai soldiers in Beni,
Beni Territory, and Kirumba, Lubero Territory, following FARDC
attempts to disarm Mai-Mai militia members. One Mai-Mai member and
one FARDC soldier were killed.
5. (SBU) On January 9, MONUC reported CNDP fighter buildups in
Tongo and Nyanzale, west of Rutshuru town, Rutshuru Territory, as
well as in Kirolirwe, Masisi Territory. In addition, CNDP and
PARECO forces clashed near the IDP camp in Kanyatsi, Masisi
Territory, according to MONUC. MONUC efforts to sensitize PARECO
soldiers to respect the integrity of IDP camps continued in
Kibirizi, western Rutshuru Territory.
6. (SBU) On January 12, the Norwegian Minister of Defense met with
MONUC and humanitarian partners in Goma to discuss the security
situation and status of MONUC operations.
Security Issues in Orientale Province
--------------
7. (SBU) According to international media sources, on January 9,
the LRA attacked the village of Kana, east of Faradje, killing 15
people. Media sources also reported that on January 11,
approximately 100 LRA fighters attacked the market town of Sambia,
130 kilometers east of Dungu, killing an additional seven people.
8. (SBU) On January 9, the UN news service reported a January 8
attack in the same town, which prompted the displacement of 10,000
individuals. The same report noted the movement of 10,000 people
from Niangara to Bangadi, between Dungu and Doruma. However,
according to MONUC, the entire population had fled Bangadi before
the LRA entered the town on January 9.
GARVELINK
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 13
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.
FDLR Issues
--------------
2. (SBU) MONUC Force Commander Gaye told Goma PolOff, MIST team
members, and State Department contractor Nicholas Jenks on January
12 that FARDC operations against the FDLR would begin "very soon,"
perhaps on February 1. Gaye has not seen the operational plan
developed by the GDRC and the GoR, but expects that MONUC will be
asked to play a supporting role. He added that MONUC has come into
contact with FDLR fighters who are aware they will be targets and
are showing increasing willingness to return to Rwanda.
3. (SBU) Gaye expects that the FDLR will retaliate against
civilians in the event of operations, seeking to provoke an
international outcry against the atrocities as a means to pressure
the GDRC and GoR to halt the attacks. Colonel Cunliffe of MONUC
added that the organization is likely to be criticized for failing
to protect civilians, despite being left out of the planning
process.
Security Issues in North Kivu
--------------
4. (SBU) UN security officials reported fighting between CNDP and
Mai-Mai forces in Mabenga, Rutshuru Territory, on January 9 and 10.
Firefights also ensued between FARDC and Mai-Mai soldiers in Beni,
Beni Territory, and Kirumba, Lubero Territory, following FARDC
attempts to disarm Mai-Mai militia members. One Mai-Mai member and
one FARDC soldier were killed.
5. (SBU) On January 9, MONUC reported CNDP fighter buildups in
Tongo and Nyanzale, west of Rutshuru town, Rutshuru Territory, as
well as in Kirolirwe, Masisi Territory. In addition, CNDP and
PARECO forces clashed near the IDP camp in Kanyatsi, Masisi
Territory, according to MONUC. MONUC efforts to sensitize PARECO
soldiers to respect the integrity of IDP camps continued in
Kibirizi, western Rutshuru Territory.
6. (SBU) On January 12, the Norwegian Minister of Defense met with
MONUC and humanitarian partners in Goma to discuss the security
situation and status of MONUC operations.
Security Issues in Orientale Province
--------------
7. (SBU) According to international media sources, on January 9,
the LRA attacked the village of Kana, east of Faradje, killing 15
people. Media sources also reported that on January 11,
approximately 100 LRA fighters attacked the market town of Sambia,
130 kilometers east of Dungu, killing an additional seven people.
8. (SBU) On January 9, the UN news service reported a January 8
attack in the same town, which prompted the displacement of 10,000
individuals. The same report noted the movement of 10,000 people
from Niangara to Bangadi, between Dungu and Doruma. However,
according to MONUC, the entire population had fled Bangadi before
the LRA entered the town on January 9.
GARVELINK