EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 15

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000046 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 15 REF: KINSHASA 39 ¶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) Precise information regarding the rift within the CNDP remains elusive. Goma PolOff reported that the information at reftel alleging that Ntaganda was under house arrest, which a senior MONUC official provided, is false. The latest assessment from MONUC's G-2 is that the majority of CNDP commanders and rank and file remain loyal to Nkunda. MONUC also reports combatant buildups in Rutshuru and Masisi territories, the strongholds of Nkunda and Ntaganda, respectively. ¶3. (SBU) Other MONUC sources allege that the faction allied with Ntaganda has named Desire Kamanzi as the new CNDP leader at a meeting this week in Bwiza, Masisi Territory (Note: Kamanzi had previously been identified as a spokesperson for Ntaganda, and Goma PolOff reported information that he is Rwandan. End note). Ntaganda will allegedly remain the CNDP Chief of Staff. Nairobi Talks -------------- ¶4. (U) A January 14 press report notes progress in Nairobi between the GDRC and CNDP delegations. The article quoted Nkunda's spokesperson as stating that it was possible that the two sides would sign a cease-fire agreement the same day. Security Situation in the Kivus -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Goma PolOff reported information that the FDLR is aware of the DRC-Rwandan operational plan, and has released public statements denouncing it. Separately, the DART team provided information from humanitarian partners that the CNDP has prevented non-food-item distributions to IDPs in Kitchanga, Masisi Territory, directing the aid providers to target areas of origin rather than places of displacement. ¶6. (SBU) The DART team has also received reports of a growing number of attacks in recent weeks on commercial vehicles in CNDP-controlled areas. From January 12 to 13, attacks occurred in Mabenga and Kalengera, Rutshuru Territory, and on the Mema-Kisuma axis, Masisi Territory. ¶7. (SBU) At the January 14 UN security meeting, partners reported increasing tension in Lubero Territory due to ongoing attempts by the FARDC to disarm Mai-Mai and PARECO forces. As a result, many NGO staff members operating in Kirumba and Kayna are now residing at the MONUC base in the area. Security Situation in Orientale Province -------------- ¶8. (SBU) MONUC's Ituri brigade reported that there are 1200 UPDF soldiers in the DRC, and that the UPDF has deployed to South Sudan. Separately, MONUC and Human Rights Watch sources provided information that some villages in the area have organized self-defense committees in conjunction with the FARDC. These forces have on at least two occasions beaten back the LRA - one incident resulted in three LRA fighters killed and five killed in another. ¶9. (SBU) MONUC reports a total of 38 LRA fighters killed and eight captured overall. A separate set of 21 LRA combatants have apparently surrendered to "other forces" (undefined, but not UPDF or FARDC). ¶10. (SBU) According to MONUC, on January 11, approximately 50 LRA fighters attacked the village of Tomate, 75 kilometers southwest of Faradje, burning down the majority of houses and businesses. No casualties were reported. Other LRA sightings continue to prompt new displacement, particularly in areas south of Dungu and towards Faradje, according to UNHCR. GARVELINK