VZCZCXRO1226
PP RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #1009/01 3191440
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 141440Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8775
RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 001009 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM SMIG KTIP KCRM KWMN CG
SUBJECT:  DRC - TIP WATCH LIST INTERIM ASSESSMENT 
 
REF:  STATE 110849 
 
 
¶1.  (SBU) Summary:  The GDRC has taken first steps to address human 
trafficking.  The Congolese National Demobilization Agency (in 
French--Unite d'Execution du Programme National de Desarmament, 
Demobilisation, et Reinsertion (UEPN-DDR)) launched a national 
awareness campaign of zero tolerance for child soldiers in June. 
The Congolese Government has assisted in the demobilization of 540 
children during 2008.  There are no new developments with the prior 
year cases of Gedeon and Colonel 106.  They remain in indefinite 
detention.  In April, a FARDC officer was successfully prosecuted 
for recruiting child soldiers.  Provincial ministries of education 
work closely with NGO's to reinsert children working in mines back 
into the formal education system.  There is a growing recognition by 
government officials of the problem of child prostitution, however 
they have yet to take concrete action.  The GDRC has shown a growing 
political will to address trafficking problems, especially at the 
provincial level, but additional efforts should be taken. 
 
Child Soldiers 
-------------- 
 
¶2.  (SBU) The GDRC has taken positive steps in 2008 to address human 
trafficking.  Attempting to address the problem of child soldiers, 
the Congolese National Demobilization Agency (in French--Unite 
d'Execution du Programme National de Desarmament, Demobilisation, et 
Reinsertion (UEPN-DDR)) launched a national awareness campaign of 
zero tolerance for child soldiers in Kinshasa, Goma, and Bukavu 
respectively on June 16, 21, and 23.  Through lobbying efforts it 
targeted both military and political leaders.  For the general 
public, UEPN-DDR produced sketches, public service announcements, 
and debates broadcasted by six radio and TV stations in July and 
August.  According to its September 30 quarterly report of 
activities, UEPN-DDR also sent field teams to 23 sites throughout 
South Kivu, North Kivu, Katanga, and Equateur Provinces. 
 
¶3.  (SBU) The GDRC, along with assistance from MONUC and 
international NGO's, has assisted with the demobilization of 540 
children this year, according to MONUC Child Protection.  The 
children have come from all the different rebel groups, including 
31% from various Mai Mai, 19% from PARECO, 19% from CNDP, 19% from 
FDLR factions, and the remaining 12% from other small groups. 
 
Update on Prior Cases 
--------------------- 
 
¶4.  (SBU) According to the United Nations Human Rights Office in the 
DRC (UNHRO), the Kynugu Mutanga (a.k.a. Gedeon) trial still 
continues in limbo after its suspension on July 1.  The Lubumbashi 
Bar Association initiated a strike on that day to protest the arrest 
of four lawyers without due process.  The lack of lawyers forced the 
Lubumbashi Military Court to postpone the trial indefinitely.  The 
Military Prosecutor's office and the Bar Association are in current 
negotiations to resolve the impasse. 
 
¶5.  (SBU) Colonel 106 continues in confinement at Makala Prison in 
Kinshasa, per the UNHRO.  Although suspected of recruiting child 
soldiers, military authorities initially only charged him with 
rebellion and conspiring against the state following his September 
2007 arrest.  Authorities have not brought any new charges against 
him, nor has a trial date been set. 
 
Successful Prosecution 
---------------------- 
 
¶6.  (U) According to MONUC's Child Protection Division, the Bukavu 
Military Court sentenced FARDC Major Bwasolo Misaba to five years in 
prison on April 7 for recruiting children between 10 and 14 years 
old and for illegal use of military ranks.  Per MONUC, this is only 
the second time that authorities have convicted a FARDC officer for 
recruiting children. 
 
Child Labor 
----------- 
 
¶7.  (SBU) Per the Ministry of Labor, the National Committee Against 
the Worst forms of Child Labor has finally been established. 
However, it has yet to take any action.  The committee is awaiting 
approval of the 2009 budget before commencing with enforcement 
activities. 
 
¶8.  (SBU) Although the national government has not addressed the 
issues of debt bondage and child labor in the mining sector, 
provincial ministries of education are working with NGO's to address 
 
KINSHASA 00001009  002 OF 002 
 
 
the problem.  Representatives from Save the Children and Solidarity 
Center told us that they coordinate closely with the provincial 
education ministries in Mbuji Mayi, Bunia, and Lubumbashi to 
implement projects that aim to reinsert children working in mines 
into the formal education system. 
 
Child Prostitution 
------------------ 
 
¶9.  (SBU) Government officials in Kinshasa, Goma, and Lubumbashi 
have told us that they recognize that child prostitution is a 
growing problem in the DRC.  However, authorities have yet to take 
concrete action against it. 
 
¶10.  (SBU) Comment:  Even though the GDRC faces capacity limitations 
in its efforts to combat trafficking-in-persons, it has shown 
positive steps and a growing political will to attack the problem. 
Although there may appear to be inaction at the national level at 
times, provincial officials are often at the forefront of 
governmental response to trafficking problems.  End Comment. 
 
BROCK