Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05KINSHASA1115
2005-07-08 11:02:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:  

SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL ARRESTED IN NORTH KIVU

Tags:  PGOV PHUM KPKO ASEC CASC CG 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001115 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/07/2015
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KPKO ASEC CASC CG
SUBJECT: SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL ARRESTED IN NORTH KIVU

Classified By: Polcouns Mel Sanderson for Reasons 1.4 B and D

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001115

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/07/2015
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KPKO ASEC CASC CG
SUBJECT: SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIAL ARRESTED IN NORTH KIVU

Classified By: Polcouns Mel Sanderson for Reasons 1.4 B and D


1. (U) SUMMARY: Eighth Military Region Chief of Staff (COS),
and four bodyguards were arrested and brought before a
military court in Goma following a shoot-out on July 1 that
killed seven people. END SUMMARY.


2. (SBU) Col. Christopher Bindu (a Mai Mai) and four of his
armed guards were arrested and brought before a military
court on July 2 in response to a July 1 shoot-out in Goma
that killed seven people, including four children. According
to Gen. Amisi, the 8th Military Region Commander, the
children were caught in the crossfire when shrapnel hit their
home. Radio Okapi reported on July 5 that Bindu and his
guards would most likely be subject to a public hearing as
part of an aggressive campaign by Minister of Defense
Onusumba to encourage military discipline.


3. (C) The fighting erupted after Bindu's guards apprehended
and disarmed a group of military police patrolling near the
COS's residence, MONUC sources said. Following orders from a
drunken Bindu, the guards shot and killed an officer who
moved after being instructed to stay still. The MPs and
Bindu's men exchanged heavy fire until General Amisi and the
MP commander arrived at the scene.


4. (C) Comment: Tensions remain high in North Kivu where
residents, including Mai Mai, are still distrustful of
members of the RCD-G and its former military wing, the ex-ANC
who are perceived as Rwandan allies. Bindu's arrest is of
symbolic value as it reflects a crack-down on impunity within
the Congolese armed forces. At the same time, the MPs were
not innocent bystanders, and should also be held accountable
for their actions. End Comment.

MEECE