Cablegate: Situation Report for Drc - November 6, 2008,
VZCZCXRO4824
OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #0983 3111631
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 061631Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8743
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 KINSHASA 000983
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: SITUATION REPORT FOR DRC - NOVEMBER 6, 2008,
AS OF 5:30 PM CENTRAL AFRICAN TIME (GMT +1)
1. (U) All times Kinshasa (GMT + 1) unless otherwise indicated.
2. (U) The items contained in this situation 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.
Security Situation in Goma and Surrounding Area
--------------------------------------------- --
3. (SBU) USAID DART team leader reported that, according to
information obtained at an OCHA security briefing on November 6,
IDP's in Kibati are said to be fairly nervous, as they watch CNDP
forces reposition just north of the town, and FARDC forces in town
and south build up. OCHA has had little success in getting the IDP
camps cleared of the FARDC presence.
4. (SBU) Reports are that many IDP's who tried to return to Kibumba
from Kibati were turned around by the CNDP, which does not want
another large camp there, but rather wants everyone to return to
their home villages. They are said to be holding the electoral
cards of people hostage to make sure they return home.
Political Developments
----------------------
5. (SBU) Tim Shortley, Senior Advisor to Assistant Secretary
Frazer, met today with National Assembly President Vital Kamerhe
(septel to provide full details). Kamerhe agreed on the need to
normalize relations with Rwanda and said the government has already
started on this, to include reestablishment of diplomatic relations
within 45 days.
6. (SBU) Kamerhe also said that there should be discreet, direct
political talks between Nkunda and the GDRC (level TBD), not simply
military discussions, and conceded that the government needed to
coordinate its message better on this issue. He emphasized it was
important to revive Nairobi and, simultaneously, work towards
establishment of "Goma II."
7. (SBU) Kamerhe noted that the population, rightfully, has lost
confidence in the FARDC and that the government should consider
rotating out certain commanders from North Kivu.
BROCK