US embassy cable - 04KINSHASA2066

UNCLAS KINSHASA 002066 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, PREL, CG 
SUBJECT: SPORADIC FIGHTING BETWEEN MAI-MAI AND RCD-G 
ELEMENTS IN N.KIVU 
 
 
1. (U) Summary. Mai-Mai elements from the 8th military region 
have engaged in sporadic skirmishes with ex-Congolese 
National Army (ANC) soldiers from the same military region in 
Masisi, N. Kivu beginning the week of October 24th and 
continuing through November 7th. Although civilians have been 
displaced as a result of the violence there is no indication 
of large scale, sustained fighting. UN sources have expressed 
greater concern over the deteriorating security situation in 
Goma, including increased shootings at night, killings, and 
harassment of civilians by military elements. End Summary. 
 
Sporadic Fighting Between Mai-Mai and RCD-G Elements 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
2. (U) MONUC and OCHA sources have reported sporadic fighting 
between Mai Mai elements led by commander Christophe of the 
8th military region's 4th brigade and ex-ANC (former armed 
wing of the Congolese Rally for Democracy-Goma or RCD-G) 
soldiers from the 8th military region's 11th brigade headed 
by Colonel Bonne-Annee in the North Kivu localities of 
Bwerema, Bishange, and Bitonga (Masisi territory) beginning 
the week of October 24th and continuing periodically until 
November 5th. According to both sources, the confrontations 
are neither serious nor sustained. 
 
3. (U) It is unclear at this point what has prompted the 
recent fighting, but MONUC sources think it may be a struggle 
for mineral resources in the area, along with ongoing 
animosity and distrust between yet to be integrated Mai-Mai 
and RCD-G military elements. In two related incidents, former 
RCD-G military investigators sent to the area were detained 
for 24 hours by Mai-Mai soldiers. In retaliation, 8th 
military region officials in Goma later arrested two Mai Mai 
leaders over the incident. 
 
4. (U) OCHA has reported the displacement of about 3000 
people in the area near Minova as a result of these conflict. 
As of November 8th, there is no indication of any further 
confrontations between these groups or of any further 
displacement of civilians. 
 
5. (U) According to OCHA sources Mai Mai elements have also 
fought former ex-ANC soldiers in other parts of N.Kivu, 
including a minor skirmish November 3rd at the mining site of 
Ngora, 12 kms from Walikale, presumably for control of local 
mineral resources. The situation in the area, however, is now 
reportedly calm and many of those civilians initially 
displaced have already returned to their homes. 
 
MONUC More Concerned About Increasing Violence in Goma 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
 
6. (U) MONUC sources have expressed greater concern over 
increased violence and lack of discipline by armed elements 
around the Goma area. This mounting insecurity has led to by 
increased shootings at night and a rise in acts of banditry, 
murders, and financial harassment of civilians; a possible 
indication that soldiers may not be receiving their regular 
salaries. Although there is no evidence at this point that 
any particular communities are being targeted, MONUC sources 
fear that incidents involving former RCD-G soldiers and Bashi 
civilians could lead to inter-community fighting. 
 
Comment 
------- 
 
7. (U) Sporadic low-level skirmishes between un-integrated 
Mai-Mai and RCD-G soldiers from the 8th military region 
competing for control of local mineral resources in North 
Kivu is likely to continue. More problematic, however, is the 
deterioration of the security situation in Goma and the 
possibility of inter-community fighting if some of the local 
ethnic groups feel that they are being targeted by RCD-G 
soldiers. It remains to be seen whether N. Kivu Governor 
Eugene Serufuli will take any steps to improve the security 
situation, or whether he will seek to manipulate events for 
his own ends; including the possible dismissal of 8th 
military region commander Obedi Rwabasira. 
MEECE