US embassy cable - 05KINSHASA584

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 000584 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/06/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, CG 
SUBJECT: NORTH KIVU CLASHES LIKELY 
 
REF: KIGALI 371 
 
Classified By: Poloff Meghan Moore for Reasons 1.4 B and D 
 
1. (C) Summary. MONUC field offices are preparing to 
repatriate Rwandan Hutu rebels (FDLR) in an increasingly 
tense atmosphere. The political-military situation in N. Kivu 
is unclear, and MONUC military patrols have reported 
increased suspicious activity by ex-ANC (RCD/G armed wing) 
soldiers in Masisi and Rutshuru. Two FARDC brigades clashed 
about 60 miles northwest of Goma April 3 while tracking FDLR 
soldiers. As of April 6, the situation had returned to 
normal, but more clashes are likely. END SUMMARY. 
 
MONUC Gears Up for FDLR Repatriation 
------------------------------------ 
 
2. (C) A Butembo-based MONUC officer told poloff April 6 that 
MONUC had made the necessary preparations to start 
repatriating FDLR from northern North Kivu right away, and 
that many FDLR in the area of Lubero were ready to return to 
Rwanda. He thought, however, that Rwandan Foreign Minister 
Murigande's recent statements were discouraging (reftel). 
Unlike in the past, the Butembo-based officer believed Mbusa 
Nyamwisi (Regional Cooperation Minister and head of the 
RCD/K-ML) was "on board" with the FDLR repatriation process, 
but Governor Serufuli was trying to undermine the process. 
 
3. (C) Per MONUC internal reporting, MONUC Bukavu has been 
preparing for South Kivu FDLR repatriation. A Bukavu-based 
MONUC officer told poloff April 6 FDLR soldiers in South Kivu 
are sitting on the fence, waiting for their hierarchy to tell 
them whether to return to Rwanda or stay in South Kivu. The 
Bukavu-based officer said that Murigande's recent statements 
were not helpful, and suggested that the US and UK coordinate 
a strong message to encourage the GOR to accept FDLR 
repatriation. 
 
North Kivu Developments 
----------------------- 
 
4. (C) A Kinshasa-based MONUC officer told poloff April 5 
that the situation in N. Kivu was unclear, and MONUC military 
patrols over the past few weeks have reported increased 
movement, suspicious activity, and non-cooperation by 12th 
Brigade (ex-ANC) soldiers located in Masisi and Rutshuru. 
Source added that MONUC milobs continue to receive reports 
from local civilians in Rutshuru of Rwandan incursions, but 
clarified that it was difficult to determine whether 
civilians meant ex-ANC soldiers or actual Rwandans.  Last 
week, source reported MONUC soldiers in Goma searched a truck 
and found a few mortar launchers and mortars. The troops with 
the truck said it belonged to the 113th battalion. The truck 
reportedly belongs to Governor Serufuli. 
 
5. (C) Two FARDC brigades clashed about 60 miles northwest of 
Goma April 3 while reportedly tracking FDLR soldiers. Radio 
Okapi reported that about 10 people were killed, including 
one soldier from each brigade, and several were wounded. As 
of April 6, the situation had returned to normal. North Kivu 
Military Regional Commander Amisi told MONUC that soldiers 
from the 18th brigade (ex-APC-- military wing of the 
RCD/K-ML) mistakenly fired upon soldiers from the 12th 
brigade (ex-ANC), who they believed to be FDLR. The 18th 
Brigade temporarily withdrew to Miriki (about 10 miles west 
of Kanyabayonga) from Kimaka and the 12th Brigade advanced to 
Kimaka. The two brigade commanders met April 4 and agreed to 
return to their original positions and conduct joint 
operations against the FDLR. 
 
Comment 
------- 
 
6. (C) More clashes between ex-ANC units and other units in 
North Kivu are likely due to poor communication and 
coordination, mistrust, and possible ex-ANC aggressive 
movements. Potential large-scale FDLR movements could 
contribute to the confusion. Post will continue to monitor 
closely the political-military situation in both Kivus. 
MEECE