EASTERN DRC NOTES - JUNE 3

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000516

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JUNE 3


1. (U) The information contained in this report consists
principally of spot reports from various sources. This cable is not
exhaustive, nor can all the information contained therein be
confirmed at this time.

Anti-LRA Operations
--------------


2. (SBU) The FARDC has deployed additional troops to Banda in Haut
Uele District following a series of small-scale LRA attacks in the
past week. There are reportedly 6000 FARDC troops in Haut Uele, and
the GDRC intends to deploy another 2000 soldiers.


3. (U) The World Food Program noted that insecurity and bad road
conditions are hampering delivery of food assistance to LRA-affected
areas in Haut-Uele. Recently, a convoy of humanitarian assistance
(seven trucks with food and four trucks with non-food items) took
more than 40 days to travel from Beni to Dungu.

Security Situation in Ituri
--------------


4. (SBU) In northeastern Ituri District, 40 prisoners, who escaped
from the Aru prison, remain at large. The escape was reportedly
staged following the death of a prisoner from starvation. (Comment:
Prisoners often depend on family and friends for food, and deaths
from starvation are not unusual. End comment.)


5. (SBU) MONUC announced that 30-35 troops from an FRPI splinter
group surrendered to FARDC units in Bolenzabo in northern Ituri.
MONUC cautioned, however, that final numbers are not yet verified.
Civilians displaced by FARDC advances against the FPRI and FPJC
rebels are returning to homes around Marabo, north of Tchey.

Security Situation in the Kivus
--------------


6. (SBU) Armed men ambushed an escorted World Food Program convoy
near Kalembe, near Pinga in North Kivu. Casualties are not yet
known. The area is considered an FDLR stronghold.


7. (SBU) FDLR cadre attacked FARDC troops on the Bukavu-Mwenga axis
in South Kivu on June 1 at three different points -- Mwenga, Kasika
and Sungwe. In a coordinated action, the attackers burned dozens of
houses and looted some 50 homes and several shops. At least one
FARDC soldier and three civilians were killed. The FDLR assembled
approximately 200 troops in Bulinga, just north of Mwenga, on May 30
before launching the strikes. MONUC reportedly responded to the
attack, but did not directly engage the FDLR. MONUC analysts
believe the large coordinated attacks are designed to demoralize the
FARDC and deter them from launching Operation Kimia II in the
mine-rich area. FARDC and FDLR forces have long cooperated in
exploiting the local mines, but MONUC has brought in over 2000 FARDC
troops trained for Kimia II who have no connections to local FDLR
commanders.


8. (U) Radio Okapi reports that Michel Rukunda Makanika, commander
of the Minembwe-based rebel group FRF ("Forces Republicaines
Federalistes" in French) said the group will not change its position
on refusing to demobilize, unless the GDRC addresses FRF concerns,
notably the return of refugees, community development, and local
security in the Minembwe area. Rukunda spoke to MONUC, UNDP, and
IOM delegates who were visiting Kamombo and Minembwe yesterday as
part of the Amani process.

MONUC Training and Operational Command
--------------


9. (SBU) MONUC has launched "mentoring" programs with the FARDC in
Kanyabayondo, Bunyakiri, Uvira and Shabunda. The programs,
involving 550 FARDC troops to date, focus on critical elements of
discipline, including the need to refrain from civilian abuses.
(Comment: While small, the program may be able to demonstrate that
training can take place alongside operations, an approach resisted
so far by the FARDC leadership. End comment.)


10. (SBU) MONUC will try to improve its own command and control
with a more systematic distribution of information between North and
South Kivu brigades. Deputy Chief of Staff Colonel Guy Deacon
lamented the poor level of coordination during a recent visit to
Walikale. He will also implement a duty officer system, which MONUC
Headquarters lacks at present.

CNDP Objectives
--------------


KINSHASA 00000516 002 OF 002



11. (SBU) Alpha Sow, Chief Political Advisor to MONUC Goma, said
the CNDP leadership voiced two primary short-term objectives: the
release of CNDP political prisoners, and treatment and support for
wounded CNDP cadre. Both objectives should be achievable, as
political prisoners number "in the tens" and the wounded number
about 200.

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