EASTERN DRC NOTES - JUNE 10

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000541 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JUNE 10 ¶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. (U) On June 7-8, there were skirmishes between FARDC and LRA forces in Karisa and Kpodo, situated two and twenty-five kilometers from Faradje, respectively. Two villagers, including the village chief, were killed in Kpodo. Approximately a hundred people from the area have fled in the direction of Tadu and Awago. ¶3. (U) According to Radio Okapi, at least 800 people have fled into South Sudan over the last week following an LRA attack on the village of Rudu, 11 kilometers from Aba. Another group of displaced persons has left the Faradje area where the FARDC is conducting "intense military operations" against the LRA. ¶4. (SBU) A MONUC analyst told us that MONUC believes a large LRA group is moving westward towards the CAR. Several MONUC analysts told the diplomatic community that recent abductions signal the LRA's intent to replenish its ranks. The rebel group, according to our MONUC contacts, will most likely adopt a more reactive posture, retreating further westward, hoping to "wait out" Rudia II. ¶5. (SBU) According to MONUC, newly integrated FARDC units, with CNDP elements, will soon be deployed to Haut Uele. The FARDC reportedly wants to use the deployment as a "trial run" to gauge how well the integrated units perform. Our contact opined that the insertion of these unproven, poorly integrated units into the region could portend a deterioration of FARDC discipline, which has been relatively good in Haut Uele. ¶6. (SBU) MONUC Goma reported that rangers from the Congolese Institute for the Protection of Nature (ICCN) clashed with LRA forces in Garamba National Park on June 4. The ICCN patrol apparently forced the LRA troops south into a UPDF ambush, resulting in seven LRA killed. It is unclear whether this was a coordinated operation between the ICCN and UPDF or simply a chance encounter. ¶7. (U) On June 8, a group of students in Buta attacked the residence of four MONUC military observers. The students were protesting what they perceived as MONUC's inaction in protecting the population against LRA exactions. A FARDC commander, who attempted to intervene, was seriously wounded. Several hours later, the police broke up the crowd and liberated the four observers, but after the police departed, the crowd looted the residence. ¶8. (U) SRSG Alan Doss issued a press statement calling on the GDRC to investigate the incident and to arrest the perpetrators. Government Spokesman Lambert Mende Omalanga strongly condemned the attack, promising that the DRC justice system would deal with these "criminal elements." Mende also praised the assistance that MONUC has provided to the FARDC for Operation Rudia II. Security Situation in the Kivus -------------- ¶9. (U) FDLR elements attacked a FARDC position the night of June 7-8 near Katwiguru, approximately 90 kilometers north of Goma. Independent sources reported three FARDC were killed and four others wounded, including the company commander. Integration -------------- ¶10. (U) Radio Okapi reported that approximately 1,200 combatants have arrived at South Kivu integration centers in Kalehe and Luberizi in the last two months. Only 45 of these combatants fulfilled the conditions (possessing a weapon) to enter the accelerated integration process. Seven hundred chose to begin the classic integration process; 345 chose to demobilize and return to civilian life; and approximately 100 deserted. Political Developments -------------- ¶11. (SBU) General Sumbeiywo from the Obasanjo mediation team told the international community in Goma on June 9 that, following meetings with CNDP and North Kivu Governor Julien Paluku, he believed implementation of the March 23 Agreement was generally on track. However, Sumbeiywo did flag two concerns voiced by the CNDP: slow progress in releasing its political prisoners and in providing assistance to CNDP wounded and war widows and orphans (Comment: KINSHASA 00000541 002 OF 002 Sumbeiywo's visit to Goma was low key and uninspiring, leading further credence to the idea that the Obasanjo Mediation views its work as basically finished. End Comment). ¶12. (SBU) Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito unveiled to donors on June 9 the DRC's plan for stabilization and reconstruction in post-conflict areas. The $1.2 billion plan, which encompasses security, humanitarian, and economic aspects, reportedly has an $800 million shortfall at the moment. SRSG Doss welcomed the DRC initiative, but urged the GDRC to utilize existing structures and programs to implement the plan. GARVELINK