VZCZCXRO5111
OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #0541/01 1610953
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 100953Z JUN 09
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9702
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 000541 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT:  EASTERN DRC NOTES - JUNE 10 
 
¶1.  (U) The information contained in this report consists 
principally of spot reports from various sources.  This cable is not 
exhaustive, nor can all the information contained therein be 
confirmed at this time. 
 
Anti-LRA Operations 
------------------- 
 
¶2.  (U) On June 7-8, there were skirmishes between FARDC and LRA 
forces in Karisa and Kpodo, situated two and twenty-five kilometers 
from Faradje, respectively.  Two villagers, including the village 
chief, were killed in Kpodo.  Approximately a hundred people from 
the area have fled in the direction of Tadu and Awago. 
 
¶3.  (U) According to Radio Okapi, at least 800 people have fled into 
South Sudan over the last week following an LRA attack on the 
village of Rudu, 11 kilometers from Aba.  Another group of displaced 
persons has left the Faradje area where the FARDC is conducting 
"intense military operations" against the LRA. 
 
¶4.  (SBU) A MONUC analyst told us that MONUC believes a large LRA 
group is moving westward towards the CAR.  Several MONUC analysts 
told the diplomatic community that recent abductions signal the 
LRA's intent to replenish its ranks.  The rebel group, according to 
our MONUC contacts, will most likely adopt a more reactive posture, 
retreating further westward, hoping to "wait out" Rudia II. 
 
¶5.  (SBU) According to MONUC, newly integrated FARDC units, with 
CNDP elements, will soon be deployed to Haut Uele.  The FARDC 
reportedly wants to use the deployment as a "trial run" to gauge how 
well the integrated units perform.  Our contact opined that the 
insertion of these unproven, poorly integrated units into the region 
could portend a deterioration of FARDC discipline, which has been 
relatively good in Haut Uele. 
 
¶6.  (SBU) MONUC Goma reported that rangers from the Congolese 
Institute for the Protection of Nature (ICCN) clashed with LRA 
forces in Garamba National Park on June 4.  The ICCN patrol 
apparently forced the LRA troops south into a UPDF ambush, resulting 
in seven LRA killed.  It is unclear whether this was a coordinated 
operation between the ICCN and UPDF or simply a chance encounter. 
 
¶7.  (U) On June 8, a group of students in Buta attacked the 
residence of four MONUC military observers.  The students were 
protesting what they perceived as MONUC's inaction in protecting the 
population against LRA exactions.  A FARDC commander, who attempted 
to intervene, was seriously wounded.  Several hours later, the 
police broke up the crowd and liberated the four observers, but 
after the police departed, the crowd looted the residence. 
 
¶8.  (U) SRSG Alan Doss issued a press statement calling on the GDRC 
to investigate the incident and to arrest the perpetrators. 
Government Spokesman Lambert Mende Omalanga strongly condemned the 
attack, promising that the DRC justice system would deal with these 
"criminal elements."  Mende also praised the assistance that MONUC 
has provided to the FARDC for Operation Rudia II. 
 
Security Situation in the Kivus 
------------------------------- 
 
¶9.  (U) FDLR elements attacked a FARDC position the night of June 
7-8 near Katwiguru, approximately 90 kilometers north of Goma. 
Independent sources reported three FARDC were killed and four others 
wounded, including the company commander. 
 
Integration 
----------- 
 
¶10.  (U) Radio Okapi reported that approximately 1,200 combatants 
have arrived at South Kivu integration centers in Kalehe and 
Luberizi in the last two months.  Only 45 of these combatants 
fulfilled the conditions (possessing a weapon) to enter the 
accelerated integration process.  Seven hundred chose to begin the 
classic integration process; 345 chose to demobilize and return to 
civilian life; and approximately 100 deserted. 
 
Political Developments 
---------------------- 
 
¶11.  (SBU) General Sumbeiywo from the Obasanjo mediation team told 
the international community in Goma on June 9 that, following 
meetings with CNDP and North Kivu Governor Julien Paluku, he 
believed implementation of the March 23 Agreement was generally on 
track.  However, Sumbeiywo did flag two concerns voiced by the CNDP: 
 slow progress in releasing its political prisoners and in providing 
assistance to CNDP wounded and war widows and orphans (Comment: 
 
KINSHASA 00000541  002 OF 002 
 
 
Sumbeiywo's visit to Goma was low key and uninspiring, leading 
further credence to the idea that the Obasanjo Mediation views its 
work as basically finished.  End Comment). 
 
¶12.  (SBU) Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito unveiled to donors on June 
9 the DRC's plan for stabilization and reconstruction in 
post-conflict areas.  The $1.2 billion plan, which encompasses 
security, humanitarian, and economic aspects, reportedly has an $800 
million shortfall at the moment.  SRSG Doss welcomed the DRC 
initiative, but urged the GDRC to utilize existing structures and 
programs to implement the plan. 
 
GARVELINK