Cablegate: Eastern Drc Notes - December 15

VZCZCXRO6287
OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #1104 3501130
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 151130Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8899
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 001104

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MOPS PHUM PREF KPKO CG
SUBJECT: EASTERN DRC NOTES - DECEMBER 15

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) At the December 12 UN security briefing in Goma,
humanitarian partners reported recent clashes between PARECO and the
CNDP northwest of Sake. At the previous day's security meeting,
OCHA reported that armed individuals in civilian clothes looted
approximately 30 houses in Kanyabayonga. The FARDC denied
involvement, but nevertheless remain the primary suspects.

3. (SBU) On December 11, a FARDC soldier reportedly fired at a Save
the Children vehicle en route to Goma from Rutshuru. The vehicle
had crossed both CNDP and FARDC checkpoints when the soldier in
question fired at the car; the vehicle's occupants were unharmed.

Joint Offensive against LRA
---------------------------

4. (U) Press reporting notes that the governments of the DRC,
Uganda, and southern Sudan launched a military offensive on December
14 against the LRA in northeastern DRC. A statement from the three
countries' military intelligence chiefs noted that the offensive had
destroyed Kony's main camp, codenamed Swahili, and that further
details would be released as the operation progressed. LRA
spokesman David Nyekorach-Matsanga told media sources that the
operation was a "highly regrettable provocation and the LRA will
retaliate." A MONUC military spokesman said that MONUC had been
advised but did not participate in preparations for the operation.

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