Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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09KINSHASA92 | 2009-01-29 14:33:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Kinshasa |
VZCZCXRO8113 OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #0092/01 0291433 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 291433Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9108 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 SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000092 |
1. (U) The items contained in this report consist principally of spot information from various sources. This report is not exhaustive, nor can all the information contained therein be confirmed at this time. Joint FARDC/RDF Operation -------------------------- 2. (SBU) MONUC reported that, in its opinion, the RDF had three basic movements: north toward Nyamilia; northeast towards Kishseshe; and west into Masisi. MONUC also believes the RDF may initiate combat operations near Virunga Park at Katale. There are reports of up to 1,500 FDLR combatants massing near Ntoto, east by southeast of Masisi. MONUC has also received unconfirmed reports that the some FDLR elements in North and South Kivu have sent their families back to Rwanda. 3. (SBU) MONUC passed on several unconfirmed media reports, which are as follows: As many as 200 FDLR combatants may have fled into Uganda, attempting to enter Bwindi National Park; that there is no DRC/Rwanda extradition treaty; and that some CNDP elements "do not understand Nkunda's arrest," because the CNDP leader reportedly had been on a mission for Rwanda at the time. Separately, other unconfirmed press reports allege that a top FDLR commander was killed on January 28. MONUC Contribution -------------------------- 4. (SBU) According to MONUC, it is re-positioning its forces to be ready for fighting in three main areas: commercial interests of the FDLR, particularly mines; Tutsi villages, which could be vulnerable to FDLR reprisal attacks, including Kitchanga and Kirolirwe; and potential IDP corridors, especially the Rutshuru-Goma road. 5. (SBU) MONUC has received information that its forces could be targeted by the FDLR in South Kivu, particularly near Kahuzi-Biega Park and in an area north of Bukavu and south of Kavumu. The FDLR has also threatened to carry out reprisals on the local population in South Kivu if the FARDC/RDF joint operation attacks the rebel group. Local residents are reportedly concerned that FDLR elements have begun to sell off their livestock, a sign that the group is in "attack mode." 6. (SBU) MONUC acknowledged that its involvement in the Joint Operations Center (JOC) has been disappointing. Although the FARDC/RDF command had previously said (reftel) that it would brief MONUC on recent and future operations (48 hours in advance), the JOC subsequently told MONUC that it would not provide briefings on future operations. In addition, only low-level military officers were present for the January 28 briefing. MONUC commented that it was clear that the JOC was not the operations center out of which real decisions were being made. A senior MONUC officer quipped that command and control seemed to be coming from DRC General John Numbi's cellphone. 7. (SBU) MONUC described its participation as concentrating on operational support, likely limited to logistics, and on protection. The current situation was a "pull-push" dynamic, with DDRRR and persuasion efforts representing the pull, while the military aspect was clearly the push. MONUC, according to a senior military official, would clearly provide support to the persuasion effort, and it would also stand by to offer support with operational matters. Integration -------------------------- 8. (SBU) A ceremony to kick-off FARDC-CNDP integration at the Rumangabo military base took place on January 29; those in attendance included the DRC Minister of Defense, Chief of Defense (CHOD), the Governor of North Kivu, and Malu Malu (Note: 15-20 minutes into the ceremony, Bosco Ntaganda showed up with General Numbi; Ntaganda's presence resulted in the walkout of the International Facilitation representatives. End note). This ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on January 28, but never materialized as CNDP elements refused to participate then, characterizing the process as "messy and confusing." Some CNDP fighters apparently stated they did not want to integrate until "the Nkunda question" was resolved. The DRC MoD, en route to Rumangabo for the ceremony, reportedly turned back to Goma when he received word of the CNDP discontent. KINSHASA 00000092 002 OF 002 Comment -------------------------- 9. (SBU) The original recalcitrance shown by the CNDP fighters at Rumangabo is cause for at least some concern, to the extent that it may reflect broader discontent within the group with respect to events of the last month. While the ceremony appears to have gone off without any problems, questions remain as to where the loyalty of the CNDP rank and file really lies. GARVELINK |