Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KINSHASA393
2009-04-22 11:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:  

EASTERN DRC NOTES -- APRIL 21

Tags:  PGOV PREL MOPS KPKO CG 
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VZCZCXRO5969
OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #0393 1121107
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 221107Z APR 09
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9512
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 000393 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES -- APRIL 21

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000393

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES -- APRIL 21


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.

Security Situation
--------------


2. (SBU) According to media reports, the FDLR attempted to burn up
to 350 homes in Lufuo and Kisiki in North Kivu on April 17. MONUC
confirmed the incident and said its forces arrived in time to
extinguish some of the fires. The FDLR denied responsibility for
the attack. A CNDP source, however, said the attack was likely an
FDLR retaliatory attack for a FARDC operation the day before that
reportedly captured a number of FDLR weapons.


3. (SBU) MONUC has confirmed several clashes between the FDLR and
FARDC along the Bunyakiri-Hombo axis. A fire fight on April 10 left
4 FARDC and 6 FDLR dead. Six women (possibly FARDC wives) were
abducted by the FDLR. The FDLR attacked FARDC in the same region on
April 13, killing two government troops. MONUC confirmed reports
that some 100 child soldiers (ages 13-15) had been recruited by the
FARDC in the area. UN officials contacted local FARDC commanders,
who were indifferent to their request to turn over the children.
MONUC has referred the case to its child protection unit.


4. (SBU) MONUC is investigating reports that the FDLR have begun
using anti-personnel mines (APM's) near Kamanyola, a village in
South Kivu close to the juncture of the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. If
confirmed, the use of APM's would represent a dangerous shift in
FDLR tactics.

Integration in the Kivus
--------------


5. (SBU) April 18 marked the final day for integration in North
Kivu. All Congolese armed groups signatory to the March 2009
agreement (under the auspices UN mediator Obasanjo) agreed that they
have now given up armed struggle. Any person (outside the FARDC and
PNC) who is found with a weapon will henceforth be considered a
bandit by GDRC forces. MONUC reports that militias remain active in
Ituri in the area around Tchey and Poto Poto. The FARDC has
undertaken some operations in the area with MONUC support.


6. (SBU) Integration continues at a slow pace in South Kivu. A
total of 186 Shikito militia reported to integration centers, as
well as 28 members of Zabuloni Mai Mai (with 4 weapons). MONUC
received a request to transport an unknown number of Zabuloni from
Uvira to the integration center in Luberizi.

LRA activity
--------------


7. (SBU) The LRA abducted seven civilians in Bitima, near the
Sudanese border to the east of Doruma. MONUC reported that the
UPDF, which has an infantry brigade in the region, is pursuing the
rebels.

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