KAMANDA WA KAMANDA ANOTHER PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 002084

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/12/2014
TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG
SUBJECT: KAMANDA WA KAMANDA ANOTHER PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL


Classified By: Ambassador Roger Meece. Reason 1.4 (b/d)


1. (C) The Ambassador paid a courtesy call on Minister for
Scientific Research Gerard Kamanda wa Kamanda at his office
November 8. Kamanda had earlier contacted the Ambassador by
telephone requesting such a meeting as soon as could be
arranged. (Note: Kamanda holds his current portfolio under
the Sun City Accord as a member of the political "opposition"
with his own party, the Common Front of Nationalists.
Kamanda is a former Foreign Minister during the last years of
the Mobutu regime, again at the time representing
"opposition" forces. He fled into exile for a period
following the May 1997 seizure of Kinshasa by Laurent
Kabila,s ADFL foces. End note.)


2. (C) After opening pleasantries, Kamanda ran through a
list of current political issues, gradually building a case
testifying to the relative inability of current major party
leaders to move transition political processes forward in a
timely fashion. Continuing, he commented that the remaining
old generation politicians (e.g., Etienne Tshisekedi) had
already demonstrated their inability to govern adequately,
and that some of the newer very young people on the scene
appeared to lack adequate experience or skills. Therefore,
Kamanda concluded another option should be available. He
said he wished to confide that he would be putting his own
candidacy forward in Presidential elections, and added that
he would like U.S. support.


3. (C) The Ambassador responded firmly that the U.S.
strongly supports open and fair elections, but would maintain
a position of strict neutrality regarding individual
candidates or parties. He asked if Kamanda plans a public
announcement of his candidacy soon; Kamanda hedged his
response suggesting that timing would depend on events in the
country. The Ambassador also inquired about Kamanda,s
ability to conduct a national campaign in terms of
organization and funds. Kamanda expressed confidence,
implying that the essentials of a nation-wide provincial
network are already in place.


4. (C) Comment: There is already a great deal of political
positioning in anticipation of elections, and at least some
tentative moves toward coalition-building. It is unclear if
Kamanda, with a political base in Bandundu province and
somewhat limited national exposure, is in fact serious about
pursuing an independent candidacy as the nominee of his
relatively small party. Alternatively, Kamanda could be
laying the groundwork seeking to increase his bargaining
position in negotiations with one or more other parties.
Kamanda,s disclosure in any event is another sign that the
early electoral season is very much underway. End comment.
MEECE