EASTERN DRC NOTES - JANUARY 21

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