Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04KINSHASA1959
2004-10-21 14:44:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:  

WE DON'T WANT TO KILL KABILA SAYS MAI MAI LEADER

Tags:  PGOV PREL CG 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001959 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/21/2014
TAGS: PGOV PREL CG
SUBJECT: WE DON'T WANT TO KILL KABILA SAYS MAI MAI LEADER

Classified By: Econoff Peter Newman for reasons 1.4 b/d

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001959

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/21/2014
TAGS: PGOV PREL CG
SUBJECT: WE DON'T WANT TO KILL KABILA SAYS MAI MAI LEADER

Classified By: Econoff Peter Newman for reasons 1.4 b/d


1. (C) During the course of an introductory courtesy call by
the Ambassador on Minister of Environment, Anselme Enerunga,
the Minister detoured into a discussion of internal DRC
politics. Enerunga, who headed the Mai-Mai delegations in
Pretoria and Sun City, expressed concern that the Mai Mai are
being marginalized by some in the Presidency. He claimed
there were rumors being spread that the Mai-Mai had plotted
to assassinate Kabila and topple the government.


2. (C) Enerunga stated that many Congolese politicians are
fearful of the Mai-Mai because they resisted the Rwandans.
Their "patriotic" resistance makes them popular with the
Congolese and thus a threat to the rest. This was the cause
of the unfounded rumors of a plot against Kabila. Enerunga
also alluded to further designs against the Mai-Mai, claiming
that the Rwandans orchestrate attacks on Banyamulenge simply
to blame the Mai-Mai for massacres in the Eastern DRC.
Additionally, he mentioned having had conversations with
President Kabila in which Kabila questioned the Mai-Mai's
motives and accused them of being killers. Enerunga attempted
to assure the Ambassador that the Mai-Mai do not want to
disrupt the transition in any way.


3. (C) Comment. Enerunga's commentary was colored by
affirmations of Mai-Mai patriotism and committment to the
transition. He specifically noted that the Mai-Mai lacked a
"foreign" supporter (such as Rwanda, Uganda, Angola or
Zimbabwe). His comments also made it clear, however, that
contrary to some perceptions all is not well for Mai-Mai
relations within the government, and specifically with the
Presidency. Enerunga spent most of the time suggesting that
the USG and the CIAT should support the Mai-Mai in the
transitional government. The Mai-Mai are not represented at
high levels in the current government (2 ministers and one
vice-minister) and were not pleased with the reorganization
that took place in August. The Mai-Mai are clearly feeling
marginalized and are reaching out for international support.
End Comment.
MEECE