VZCZCXRO8255
OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #1115 3520957
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 170957Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8914
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 001115
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 17
REF: KINSHASA 1109
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.
Anti-LRA Operation
------------------
2. (SBU) MONUC briefers reported on December 16 that Ugandan
soldiers are using the MONUC base at Dungu for ongoing operations
against the LRA. Following attacks on several LRA bases using
helicopter gunships and fixed wing aircraft, the Ugandan army (UPDF)
has begun inserting ground forces. MONUC expects up to 2,000 UPDF
soldiers to deploy in the area around Bayati, the principal site
where the LRA is concentrated. MONUC will deploy a liaison officer
and additional supplies to Dungu to support the UPDF and provide
food for FARDC battalions that are cooperating with the UPDF.
3. (SBU) In addition, MONUC reported that LRA forces have been
dispersed and several camps burned. MONUC anticipates that LRA
forces will flee north to Sudan, where the SPLA is deployed to
intercept them. The border, however, is densely forested and highly
porous. LRA forces could also choose to seek revenge within Uganda.
(Note: MONUC also stated that Uganda claimed it had information
that the LRA was planning attacks in Uganda prior to the beginning
of the operation. End note.)
Nairobi Talks
-------------
4. (SBU) MONUC had planned to fly the eight member CNDP negotiating
team to Nairobi on December 16, but bad weather prevented the
flight. MONUC will attempt the flight again today, when the talks
had been scheduled to resume. (Note: It is unclear whether this
flight delay will postpone resumption of the talks or, if so, when
the talks can be expected to commence. End note.)
North Kivu Security Situation
-----------------------------
5. (SBU) MONUC has noted the presence of FDLR and Mai Mai forces in
Ishasa following the withdrawal of the CNDP. A MONUC commander
surmised that they had simply pulled back from the main highway as
the CNDP advanced and have now reemerged. He also estimated that up
to half of the IDP's who fled north during the advance have now
returned. (Note: It was, however, not clear if this estimate
included refugees who fled into Uganda. End note.)
6. (SBU) Banditry is also increasing in areas north of Rutshuru. A
MONUC source believes bandits were responsible for the shooting
death of the passenger in the AVSI vehicle on December 15 (reftel).
Additionally, a Mai Mai group close to Masisi claims the FARDC
abducted 13 of its militia members and threatened to attack the
FARDC unless they were freed. Mai Mai forces also reportedly
stopped eight WFP trucks and thoroughly searched them.
Ongoing DRC-Rwanda dialogue
---------------------------
7. (SBU) Presidential diplomatic advisor Marcellin Cishambo told
ambassador on December 16 that talks between DRC and Rwandan
representatives in the context of the "4 X 4 process" had ended that
day and the Rwandans would return to Kigali today (December 17).
Cishambo was upbeat but would not divulge specifics. He said no
joint statement would be issued regarding the talks. We will press
for more information.
GARVELINK