US embassy cable - 05KINSHASA1579

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001579 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/26/2015 
TAGS: PREL, MARR, PGOV, KPKO, CG, UG, SU 
SUBJECT: LRA UPDATE: CONGOLESE WOULD LIKE LRA OUT 
 
REF: A. KAMPALA 2078 (NOTAL) 
     B. KINSHASA 1567 
     C. STATE 177083 
     D. YAMAMOTO/MEECE TELCOM SEPT. 26 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Roger Meece.  Reasons 1.4(b/d). 
 
1. (C) Vice President Ruberwa told the Ambassador September 
26 that he shares the feelings of other senior GDRC officials 
that the LRA incursion into northern DRC represents an 
unwelcome intrusion into what is already a complicated and 
sensitive context.  The government would like the LRA gone, 
preferably through repatriation to Uganda.  Disarmament in 
any event is a prerequisite to any resolution of the 
situation. 
 
2. (C) Ruberwa also confirmed that the situation in Aba 
(Orientale Province, north of Ituri District) is one of the 
major items of discussion at the September 26 afternoon 
meeting of the Supreme Defense Council, the GDRC's 
senior-level coordinating body for military issues.  In the 
meantime, plans are continuing to deploy FARDC "commando" 
units to Aba as quickly as possible.  Kisangani-based General 
Padiri is in Aba already, with a delegation which includes 
representatives from MONUC, including DDRRR experts. 
 
3. (C) Separately, SRSG Bill Swing told the Ambassador that 
the initial read-out from the Aba delegation provided some 
mixed and contradictory information, possibly because of the 
poor quality of communications.  It appeared, however, that 
three LRA representatives were detailed to meet with the 
delegation, headed by Col. Tabu.  The group seemed to give 
some indications of wanting to defer substantive discussion, 
referring to a U.S.-based individual who could help clarify 
matters. 
 
4. (C) Swing told the Ambassador that the reference to a U.S. 
individual also came up in an earlier conversation with 
President Kabila.  Kabila reportedly told Swing that the 
individual, Jongomoi Okidi-Olal, has asserted to various 
parties that he has been in contact with USG officials, 
Presidency private secretary Kikaya, and others claiming a 
mandate to negotiate.  Kabila strongly denied any Presidency 
involvement with Okidi, asserting that his involvement would 
needlessly complicate the situation.  Swing added that MONUC 
has certainly not invited or asked for Okidi,s involvement 
(Note: as was indicated might be the case in ref D). 
 
5. (C) All information available to the Kinshasa country team 
closely tracks with that reported by Kampala in ref A, 
including the overnight continued stay of the GDRC/MONUC 
delegation in Aba.  All of our information indicates that 
General Padiri has put three options on the table for the LRA 
contingent; specifically, repatriation to Uganda, return to 
Sudan, or full disarmament prior to a resolution of the LRA 
members' status.  Otherwise, Padiri reported, the LRA will 
face armed opposition from GDRC forces. 
 
6. (C) Comment: The Aba area is extremely remote, about 1,800 
kms. from Kinshasa in a densely wooded area with limited if 
any road access.  The closest town of any size providing some 
support infrastructure is Aru, about 130 kms. distant, where 
MONUC has recently developed an airstrip and some facilities. 
 MONUC deployed a fuel bladder to Aru in recent days to 
support the Aba delegation visit.  Distant as Aba is from 
Kinshasa, the GDRC fully realizes the potential threat posed 
by the LRA presence in Congo and is therefore working to 
quickly resolve the matter.  End Comment. 
 
MEECE