NGO WORKERS KILLED IN NORTH KIVU

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000711 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KJUS MOPS CG SUBJECT: NGO WORKERS KILLED IN NORTH KIVU ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The recent killings of two Congolese NGO workers have put North Kivu civil society and the international community on alert. Men in FARDC uniforms killed a Caritas employee on July 15 in Musezero near Rutshuru. In addition, armed men killed an MSF employee on July 21 in Kiwanja during what appears to be a home invasion robbery. FARDC, FDLR, and Mai Mai groups have recently been active in and around the Rutshuru area. However, it does not appear that any of the armed groups are systematically targeting NGOs. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) The recent killings of two NGO workers have put North Kivu civil society and the international community on alert. The first killing occurred on July 15 in Musezero, North Kivu. According to a Caritas press release, villagers reported seeing the Secours Catholique-Caritas France employee, Ricky Sukaka, stopped by two men in FARDC uniform before being shot dead. Indirectly accusing FARDC personnel, Caritas also noted that a new FARDC brigade began operations in the area two weeks prior to the killing. Goma poloff contacts believe it may have been a premeditated killing as Sukaka was reportedly seen arguing with a FARDC soldier in Rutshuru earlier in the day. Caritas has demanded that military authorities open an investigation. ¶3. (SBU) Armed men killed a Congolese MSF-France ("Medecins Sans Frontieres" in French) worker on July 21 in Kiwanja, North Kivu. According to the MSF Regional Director, the killing occurred at night during an apparent home invasion robbery. The victim's name has not been released. MSF officials and Congolese authorities are currently investigating the killing. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Insecurity has increased recently in the area around Rutshuru. The FARDC, FDLR, and Mai Mai groups have all been active in the area and the number of new roadblocks has increased. At this point, it does not appear that any of the armed groups are systematically targeting NGOs. However, rising insecurity within this conflict zone increases the potential that any altercation could end violently. End comment. GARVELINK