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.

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