Cablegate: Launch of the Ddr Third Phase Program in Ituri

VZCZCXRO9523
RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #0802 1921656
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 111656Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6508
INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000802

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV MOPS KPKO CG
SUBJECT: Launch of the DDR Third Phase Program in Ituri

REF: KINSHASA 751

1. (SBU) On July 5 the GDRC launched Phase III of the long-running
Ituri Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) program in
Bunia. It will focus on demobilizing and reintegrating
approximately 3,000 ex-combatants from three Ituri armed groups:
Cobra Matata's Patriotic Force for Resistance in Ituri(FRPI), Peter
Karim's Front for National Integration (FNI), and Mathieu Ngudjolu's
Congolese Revolutionary Movement (MRC)(reftel). Vice Minister of
Defense Yvonne Iyamulemye Kabano headed the GDRC's delegation.
Deputy SRSG Ross Mountain, speaking on behalf of the UN delegation,
repeatedly emphasized that this is the final phase of the program,
and stressed the need for all weapons held by the militias to be
surrendered.

2. (SBU) Ngudjolu read a joint declaration on behalf of the three
erstwhile rebel leaders, which called for the GDRC "to live up to
its commitments," a clear reference to amnesty. Peter Karim was
reserved and uncommunicative, and limited his comments to a brief,
"We have joined the process." Cobra Matata did not attend. The
FARDC reportedly sent a car to bring him to the meeting, but he used
it for personal errands instead.

3. (SBU) The launch was low-key with moderate attendance and press
coverage. In subsequent questions Vice Minister Kabano displayed
general unfamiliarity with the DDR process. Overall, the mood was
relatively subdued, and the crowd in attendance showed occasional
borderline hostility.

4. (SBU) Comment: This is the last major push for demobilization
of Ituri militias. Many fighters from these three main groups have
already gone to Kisangani for brassage and integration into the
FARDC. Maintaining the pace of demobilization and reinsertion for
those ex-combatants choosing to return to civilian life will require
continued engagement by donors. End comment.

MEECE

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