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Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C02000172 # The Situation in the Congo The proclamation of a new Lualaba state in northern and western Katanga by the Gizenga dissidents threatens the isolation of the Tshombé regime in southern Katanga and further damages the prestige of the Kasavubu/Mobutu government. Tshombé has threatened to take military action against the dissidents, but would have difficulty operating in northern Katanga, an area dominated by anti-Tshombé tribesmen. There are indications, moreover, that he does not have full confidence in his Belgian-trained militia. Gizenga's army as comprising about 4,000 troops and 100 vehicles of various types. Gizenga's transport situation as "extremely bad," with gasoline in short supply. Gizenga's request for arms, rations, gasoline, and other supplies to equip a force of 15,000 men; with such assistance Gizenga could consolidate his control of Orientale and Kivu provinces, "take over" Kasai Province, and "attack" Equateur Province. Mobutu, meanwhile, has taken some steps to build up his own forces. In early January he visited Kakwanga, capital of Albert Kalonji's southern Kasai "Mining State," where he negotiated with Kalonji for the services of three infantry battalions under Kalonji's control. On 8 January, Mobutu's commissioner for foreign affairs, Justin Bomboko, left for Brussels to discuss the restoration of diplomatic relations between the Congo and Belgium, and reportedly to request Belgian arms and equipment for the Congo Army. Notwithstanding such steps, there are indications that morale in various Congo Army units is low, and unless Mobutu can score a major success against the dissidents he may be under pressure to step down in favor of one of his military subordinates. Mobutu's troops had evacuated one position about 100 miles from Stanleyville, adding that "morale among Mobutu's troops is low and discipline is nonexistent." # THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY 11 Jan 61 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE BULLETIN Page 6 Approved for Release: 2020/08/11 C02000172

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