GDRC MAKES AMBASSADORIAL APPOINTMENTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001287

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/12/2014
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINS PREL CG
SUBJECT: GDRC MAKES AMBASSADORIAL APPOINTMENTS

Classified By: Poloff Gons Nachman for Reasons 1.5 B and D


1. (U) Summary. The GDRC has taken an important step forward
in the transition with the appointments of ambassadors from
the various composantes. The PPRD retained Washington while
the important African posts of Lusaka and Luanda were given
to the RCD-G and the MLC respectively. End Summary.


2. (U) FonMin Ghonda notified Embassy on July 3 of the GDRC's
decisions concerning ambassadorial appointments. These
appointments represent a significant step forward in the
transition process and the power sharing envisioned by the
Lusaka Accords. The postings to capitals of members of the UN
Security Council were divided as follows:

- Washington: PPRD
- London: RCD-G
- Paris: MLC
- Moscow: Political Opposition
- Beijing: Mai-Mai


3. (U) Other important posts were distributed in the
following manner:

- Brussels Embassy: PPRD
- Brussels Consulate: MLC
- Ottawa: RCD-G
- Berlin: Civil Society
- Rome: Political Opposition


4. (C) Among African posts, it is significant that Lusaka,
site of the accords that gave birth to the power sharing
agreement establishing the current transitional government,
was given to the RCD-G. However, this was balanced with the
MLC receiving Luanda. The PPRD retained the important posting
in Pretoria which will see increased activity as South Africa
pursues increased economic, commercial and security ties with
the DRC.


5. (C) The RCD-G wanted to open the posts of career
ambassadors to political appointments. However, FonMin Ghonda
of the MLC as well as the PPRD resisted these attempts. This
is a positive step as it will ensure that experienced
diplomats will continue to serve and rotate to different
postings. At this point it is unclear whether President
Kabila will keep current DRC Ambassador in Washington, Faida
Mutifu, in place.
SCOTT