ITURI MILITIA REPRESENTATIVE DECLARES SUPPORT FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 000645

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/07/2015
TAGS: PGOV KPKO PHUM PREL CG
SUBJECT: ITURI MILITIA REPRESENTATIVE DECLARES SUPPORT FOR
DISARMAMENT

Classified By: Poloff Gons Nachman for Reasons 1.4 B and D


1. (U) The Secretary General of the Union of Congolese
Patriots-Lubanga (UPC-L),John Tinanzabo, declared on Radio
Okapi in Bunia April 14 that his group supported the
disarmament process in Ituri. He said UPC-L members who
refused to participate in the disarmament program would be
regarded as outlaws. Tinanzabo also complained about the
arrest by Congolese authorities of UPC-L's leader Thomas
Lubanga during the month of March.


2. (C) Comment: Although Tinanzabo's statement is a welcome
step, its impact is likely to be limited as the UPC-L remains
divided among Hema political and community leaders who do not
see any benefits in continuing to fight and military leaders
of Tutsi background (such as Bosco Ntaganda) who are opposed
to the disarmament program. Tinanzabo's declaration, which
may have been motivated by Thomas Lubanga's desire to be
released from Makala Prison, is unlikely to achieve its
objective. End Comment.
MEECE