VZCZCXRO4438
OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #1154/01 3590944
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 240944Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8954
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 001154 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT:   EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 24 
 
¶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. 
 
Note:  Due to seasonal holidays, our next report will appear on 
December 29.  End note. 
 
Security Situation 
------------------ 
 
¶2.  (SBU) Agence France Press reported that the CNDP has complained 
that FARDC troops have moved within 100 meters of CNDP positions on 
the Goma-Rutshuru road, just north of Goma.  MONUC acknowledged the 
report, but its military briefers are unaware of any significant 
changes in FARDC positions.  The UNDSS December 24 briefing noted 
that the CNDP was apparently building up its forces in the area, 
near Kibati.  (Note and Comment:  At the conclusion of the most 
recent talks in Nairobi, the CNDP refused to sign a document 
committing to prolonging the cease-fire.  The CNDP based its refusal 
on claims that the FARDC was moving into neutral zones from which 
the CNDP had withdrawn.  Neither post nor the Goma Office have seen 
any indication from MONUC, which monitors changes in positions 
closely, that this is the case.  End note and comment.) 
 
¶3.  (SBU) FDLR troops allegedly looted Kiribizi, a small town north 
of Nyanzale in Rutshuru territory.  The FDLR inexplicably fled, 
leaving weapons behind, which MONUC confiscated. 
 
¶4.  (SBU) MONUC has received an increasing number of reports of CNDP 
clashes with PARECO/Mai Mai forces on the northern and western edges 
of CNDP-held territory over the past three days.  Mai Mai militias 
south of Kanyabayonga have acquired more weapons and continue to 
maintain pressure on the CNDP in this area.  On the other hand, 
according to MONUC, FDLR forces seldom engage the CNDP directly and 
often withdraw when confronted rather than fight. 
 
¶5.  (SBU) Mai Mai forces reportedly shot at a South African MONUC 
patrol over the weekend near Pinga, northwest of Masisi, with no 
casualties.  In response, MONUC plans to bolster its presence and 
visibility in the area to demonstrate that the Mai Mai cannot impede 
MONUC access to areas.  MONUC also plans to deploy helicopter 
gunship patrols in the vicinity of Kanyabayonga. 
 
¶6.  (SBU) OCHA has strongly advised NGO's to avoid the Sake-Masisi 
road, stressing that the road, which is under repairs, is dangerous 
from the point of road accidents, as well as ambushes from armed 
bandits.  MONUC and the national police are increasing patrols in 
Goma during the holiday period. 
 
LRA - Operation Lightening Thunder 
---------------------------------- 
 
¶7.  (SBU) MONUC noted that the UPDF had finished its first phase of 
operations, consisting primarily of air attacks, against the LRA. 
There are some unverified reports that Kony was still in Garamba 
Park as recently as December 20, raising some doubts as to whether 
he has fled to the CAR. 
 
¶8.  (U) At a December 23 press conference in Paris, DRC Foreign 
Minster Alexis Thambwe Mwamba said that joint operations against the 
LRA were proceeding well.  He added that the GDRC expected to be 
"totally rid of Mr. Kony's militia within days." 
 
MONUC on the New Mandate 
------------------------ 
 
¶9.  (SBU) MONUC Forward Force Chief of Staff Lieutenant Colonel 
James Cunliffe noted that the new UNSCR stresses MONUC's mandate to 
protect civilians, as well as to act against the FARDC, if its 
troops threaten civilians.  Privately, Cunliffe confided to Goma 
Poloff his frustration with the protection mandate, maintaining that 
"protection" implied a range of social services beyond the 
capabilities of a military mission.  Cunliffe said he was seeking 
more specific guidance from MONUC Kinshasa on how to implement the 
new mandate.  He opined that enhancing protection of IDP camps 
appeared to be a logical place to start.  However, he noted that the 
vast majority of IDP's in CNDP territory did not live in camps, 
which the CNDP had dismantled in an attempt to coax the population 
back to their homes.  (Comment:  Elevating "protection" is not an 
impossible task, as Cunliffe insinuates.  MONUC could indeed do 
more, e.g., improving community outreach and focusing on enhancing 
perimeter security around camps.  At the same time, MONUC forces on 
the ground will need more clear definition of what "protection" 
entails.  End Comment.) 
 
KINSHASA 00001154  002 OF 002 
 
 
 
¶10.  (U) The GDRC Communications Minister and Spokesman, Lambert 
Mende praised the new MONUC mandate, including the possibility that 
MONUC would engage FARDC elements guilty of exactions against the 
civilian population.  Mende added that "the problem of 
out-of-control FARDC elements was a concern at the highest levels of 
the GDRC." 
 
Humanitarian Situation 
---------------------- 
 
¶11.  (SBU) MONUC is working with OCHA to identify and map IDP camps 
throughout North Kivu.  According to OCHA, there are only 10 
"official" IDP camps in the province, mostly around Goma and Masisi. 
 There are dozens of other unofficial camps, which have sprung up as 
civilians fled their homes for safer areas.  OHCA remains hesitant 
to fully recognize these camps, since many people return home when 
the situation improves. 
 
¶12.  (SBU) According to UNDSS, the CNDP has sent OHCA a letter 
requesting a list of legitimate humanitarian organizations operating 
in CNDP-controlled territory.  OCHA intends to respond that 
responsibility for NGO registration resides with the appropriate 
GDRC ministries.  OCHA will not facilitate a parallel registration 
by the CNDP. 
 
GARVELINK