VZCZCXRO4073
OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #1064 3371559
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 021559Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8848
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 001064
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 2
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.
Security Situation
------------------
2. (SBU) According to MONUC contacts in Goma, the CNDP has
reinforced positions around Rugari (south of Rutshuru) and at
Kibumba. The CNDP also continues to skirmish with PARECO forces at
Buabo, about 8 kilometers south of Masisi. MONUC believes the CNDP
will try to capture Masisi, so it reinforced the town on December 1
with a Uruguayan contingent. PARECO forces in Masisi are fleeing to
the north.
3. (SBU) The CNDP has started to withdraw from some of the areas
along the Kanyabayonga/Ishasha axis, although FDLR forces may be
filling the gap. Nkunda has also said that he would vacate some
recently captured areas north of Rutshuru if MONUC fills the gap;
MONUC will reportedly reinforce its base at Rutshuru with a
battalion of Indian peacekeepers.
Political Developments
----------------------
4. (SBU) MONUC reported that the meeting between Obasanjo and
Nkunda made no progress and that Nkunda struck an "arrogant" note
afterwards with remarks about the FARDC's lack of capacity. Kabila
has apparently called for a meeting in Kinshasa of the ten member
states of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC).
A MONUC commander believes that Kabila will appeal for military
assistance, an "alarming development." (Note: CEEAC nations'
military capability is questionable and deployment is problematic
without foreign, i.e., Western, assistance. End note.)
5. (U) Press reporting notes that France has called for urgent EU
talks on sending emergency forces to the DRC. European ambassadors
responsible for security affairs are scheduled to discuss the EU
response to the crisis in the DRC on December 2 and 3.
GARVELINK