EASTERN DRC NOTES - MAY 6

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000443

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - MAY 6


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.

GDRC-CNDP Negotiations
--------------


2. (U) Local media in Kinshasa reported the May 5 opening meeting
of the National Monitoring Commission for the March 2009 GDRC-CNDP
Peace Agreement. GDRC International and Regional Cooperation
Minister and commission chair Raymond Tshibanda said the meeting
will "create the conditions for peace in the eastern DRC." The CNDP
delegation is led by Dr. Desire Kamanzi who reiterated earlier
promises that the CNDP is prepared to fight alongside the FARDC
against the FDLR and other negative forces in the region. The CNDP
representation also underlined that the immediate issues before the
commission include the modalities of the transformation of the CNDP
from an armed group into a political party, the liberation of CNDP
prisoners and care of CNDP wounded, and the return of refugees and
IDPs.

Security Situation in Orientale and the Kivus
--------------


3. (SBU) The FARDC reportedly clashed with a local militia in
Banyadi, a small village south of Bitima in Haut Uele. Two FARDC
soldiers were killed. Further east near Faradje, a FARDC skirmish
with the LRA left four LRA fighters dead and two captured.


4. (SBU) In Ituri, the FARDC continues to put pressure on armed
groups near Poto Poto. Five FARDC soldiers died on April 27 at the
hands of the FRPI. There was no confirmation of FRPI casualties.
In South Kivu, MONUC has identified four FDLR brigade headquarters
and 13-14 battalions.


5. (SBU) A contact with good sources in the FARDC claims that Bosco
Ntaganda got "spooked" by BBC reports that he was collaborating with
MONUC. Fearing imminent arrest, Bosco allegedly fled to familiar
CNDP territory near Masisi and rallied a reported 700-1000 loyalists
to his side. He also allegedly reclaimed some of the CNDP's heavy
weapons which had been turned over to integrated brigades and threw
up roadblocks around his new base at Kirolirwe. North Kivu Governor
Paluku reportedly went to the area to reassure Bosco personally that
he should not fear arrest (Comment: MONUC is not familiar with
these alleged events and doubts they actually took place. We will
attempt to gain further verification, but we believe this does
represent a conceivable course of action for Bosco if he were to
feel cornered. End comment).

Integration
--------------


6. (SBU) Integration continues in some parts of North Kivu, despite
GDRC assurances that the FARDC would no longer accept new troops.
Integration in South Kivu has picked up somewhat; 55 members of
Kirikicho Mai Mai were expected to enter the regroupment center at
Kalehe on May 5. Of approximately 100 child soldiers that MONUC had
previously identified in the FARDC ranks, only 14 have been taken
out. FARDC Colonel Delphin issued a strong message to his
commanders to release all child soldiers, but many are still
dispersed throughout the Kivus.

GARVELINK