Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KINSHASA63
2009-01-21 16:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 21
how-toVZCZCXRO1669 OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #0063 0211641 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 211641Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9066 INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000063
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 21
Rwandan Troops in DRC
---------------------
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000063
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 21
Rwandan Troops in DRC
--------------
1. (SBU) MONUC has confirmed that 1,500-2,000 Rwandan troops
entered the DRC at 6:30AM on January 20, moving towards Rumangabo,
approximately 30 kilometers north of Goma. The RPF forces will
reportedly link up with FARDC and CNDP elements in Rumangabo to
carry out joint operations against the FDLR. Government Spokesman
Lambert Mende confirmed the presence of "one Rwandan battalion" in
the DRC.
2. (SBU) At various levels, MONUC has consistently stated that it
had no advance knowledge of the operation. SRSG Doss issued a
statement confirming MONUC's non-involvement and urging all actors
to respect international humanitarian law. MONUC Force Commander
Gaye is currently in Goma and will meet today with National Police
Chief John Numbi, who has been a key DRC figure in repairing
DRC-Rwandan relations, and also in inducing CNDP dissident Bosco
Ntaganda to declare his support for the FARDC. Bosco is apparently
in Goma, although various sources observed him on January 20 at the
FARDC roadblock near Kibati, allegedly meeting with Mai Mai leader
General Padiri.
3. (SBU) The UN has adopted a "lower profile" in light of the RPF's
presence and the pending operations against the FDLR. UN agencies,
military observers, and DDRRR elements have relocated to regional
centers.
4. (SBU) Radio Okapi reported that FARDC troops were not allowing
travelers to pass beyond their roadblock at Kibati on the road north
to Rutshuru. Goma PolOff confirmed that as of mid-day January 21
the FARDC continued to prevent all MONUC vehicles from passing the
Kibati roadblock. NGOs expressed hope that they would be allowed
access to the Kibati IDP camp, just north of the checkpoint. The
CNDP barrier at Kibati has been removed.
5. (SBU) Goma PolOff noted increased military activity in Goma, but
the city remains calm, with no evidence of IDP movements from the
surrounding area. Businesses were open as usual.
Vital Kamerhe's Reaction
--------------
6. (SBU) The President of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe,
said he was "astonished" by the entry of Rwandan forces into the
DRC. While noting that the international community needed to
"eradicate the FDLR one way or another," Kamerhe implied that more
could have been done on the political front and that Parliament
preferred a regional force (SADC) to take on the FDLR. Kamerhe
raised the possibility that military operations against the FDLR
might provoke reprisals against the local population. Opposition
parties (MLC and UDPS) have been more outspoken in their criticism
of the GDRC's decision to allow Rwandan soldiers to cross the
border.
Security Situation
--------------
7. (SBU) UN representatives acknowledged that the decision by the
CNDP to cease hostilities against the FARDC has not reached all
combatants. In Masisi Territory, PARECO factions clashed on January
19.
8. (SBU) According to UN officials, humanitarian organizations are
advised to exercise caution in CNDP-controlled areas. The CNDP
recently attacked and looted vehicles in Mabenga and Kalengera in
Rutshuru Territory.
Humanitarian Update In Orientale Province
--------------
9. (SBU) UNHCR estimates that LRA forces have killed 620 people
since September 2008; approximately 115,000 people have been
displaced. A UN team, which visited Duru, the sight of a recent LRA
attack, announced that only 1,000 people remain in the town of
6,000.
GARVELINK
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 21
Rwandan Troops in DRC
--------------
1. (SBU) MONUC has confirmed that 1,500-2,000 Rwandan troops
entered the DRC at 6:30AM on January 20, moving towards Rumangabo,
approximately 30 kilometers north of Goma. The RPF forces will
reportedly link up with FARDC and CNDP elements in Rumangabo to
carry out joint operations against the FDLR. Government Spokesman
Lambert Mende confirmed the presence of "one Rwandan battalion" in
the DRC.
2. (SBU) At various levels, MONUC has consistently stated that it
had no advance knowledge of the operation. SRSG Doss issued a
statement confirming MONUC's non-involvement and urging all actors
to respect international humanitarian law. MONUC Force Commander
Gaye is currently in Goma and will meet today with National Police
Chief John Numbi, who has been a key DRC figure in repairing
DRC-Rwandan relations, and also in inducing CNDP dissident Bosco
Ntaganda to declare his support for the FARDC. Bosco is apparently
in Goma, although various sources observed him on January 20 at the
FARDC roadblock near Kibati, allegedly meeting with Mai Mai leader
General Padiri.
3. (SBU) The UN has adopted a "lower profile" in light of the RPF's
presence and the pending operations against the FDLR. UN agencies,
military observers, and DDRRR elements have relocated to regional
centers.
4. (SBU) Radio Okapi reported that FARDC troops were not allowing
travelers to pass beyond their roadblock at Kibati on the road north
to Rutshuru. Goma PolOff confirmed that as of mid-day January 21
the FARDC continued to prevent all MONUC vehicles from passing the
Kibati roadblock. NGOs expressed hope that they would be allowed
access to the Kibati IDP camp, just north of the checkpoint. The
CNDP barrier at Kibati has been removed.
5. (SBU) Goma PolOff noted increased military activity in Goma, but
the city remains calm, with no evidence of IDP movements from the
surrounding area. Businesses were open as usual.
Vital Kamerhe's Reaction
--------------
6. (SBU) The President of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe,
said he was "astonished" by the entry of Rwandan forces into the
DRC. While noting that the international community needed to
"eradicate the FDLR one way or another," Kamerhe implied that more
could have been done on the political front and that Parliament
preferred a regional force (SADC) to take on the FDLR. Kamerhe
raised the possibility that military operations against the FDLR
might provoke reprisals against the local population. Opposition
parties (MLC and UDPS) have been more outspoken in their criticism
of the GDRC's decision to allow Rwandan soldiers to cross the
border.
Security Situation
--------------
7. (SBU) UN representatives acknowledged that the decision by the
CNDP to cease hostilities against the FARDC has not reached all
combatants. In Masisi Territory, PARECO factions clashed on January
19.
8. (SBU) According to UN officials, humanitarian organizations are
advised to exercise caution in CNDP-controlled areas. The CNDP
recently attacked and looted vehicles in Mabenga and Kalengera in
Rutshuru Territory.
Humanitarian Update In Orientale Province
--------------
9. (SBU) UNHCR estimates that LRA forces have killed 620 people
since September 2008; approximately 115,000 people have been
displaced. A UN team, which visited Duru, the sight of a recent LRA
attack, announced that only 1,000 people remain in the town of
6,000.
GARVELINK