EASTERN DRC NOTES - JUNE 12

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000552

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JUNE 12


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) MONUC reported that 10 abductees escaped from the LRA in
the past week, including three CAR citizens in Dungu and six DRC
citizens and a CAR citizen in Gilima, northwest of Dungu.


3. (U) Military Chiefs of Staff from the DRC, Uganda, and the CAR
met in Kisangani on June 11 to discuss anti-LRA operations. While
noting that the military operations have been successful in breaking
up the LRA, the CHODs told the press that they needed to improve the
exchange of intelligence to fully neutralize the LRA. The LRA, the
CHODs claimed, is limited to operations along the CAR-DRC-South
Sudan border. The military officials also stressed that protection
of civilians remains a top priority. MONUC Force Commander General
Gaye attended the meetings.


4. (SBU) MONUC, FARDC, and UPDF held the second of a monthly series
of consultative meetings. MONUC Deputy Chief of Staff Colonel
Deacon was impressed with the quality of the UPDF's information on
the LRA and the group's intentions. Deacon expressed interest in
forging closer links with the UPDF to improve its ability to
identify and track LRA units. Deacon added that, from what he had
observed, it was clear that UPDF troops on the ground were fully
committed to pursuing the LRA (Comment: MONUC's information on the
LRA has always been lacking, so it brings very little value-added to
the UPDF. However, it is a welcome development that the UPDF has
apparently decided to coordinate more closely with MONUC. End
Comment).

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


5. (U) SRSG Alan Doss told the press that Operation Kimia II was
"evolving positively." Doss, who just returned from a visit to
North and South Kivu, maintained that the FARDC had succeeded in
cutting off FDLR access to most mining areas. He acknowledged that,
since the FDLR had retreated into the forest in many areas, it
remained uncertain what the group's intentions were. MONUC,
according to Doss, will look to improve humanitarian access to
affected areas.


6. (U) The night of June 9-10 FDLR elements attacked five villages
(Mahibu, Kamishange, Mirenzo, Chirimiro, and Lahirenge) in the area
of Mubugu, 80 kilometers north of Bukavu. The assailants looted the
villages, raped four girls, but no one was reportedly killed.


7. (U) In Uvira in Fizi Territory, the FARDC's 12th Brigade and Mai
Mai elements clashed the night of June 10-11. One FARDC was
reported killed and one injured. The Mai Mai, under the command of
"General" Dunia, apparently were responding to a civilian, who had
been robbed by a FARDC soldier. FARDC sources claimed that the
soldier had been arrested and they called on Dunia to surrender the
Mai Mai responsible for the FARDC casualties.


8. (SBU) MONUC reported that on June 10 the FDLR attacked a FARDC
position in Kanyabayonga. Additional FARDC troops forced the FDLR
to retreat, but errant fire from FARDC RPGs reportedly started a
fire, which destroyed some 60 houses.

BROCK