S. KIVU GOVERNOR REMOVED FOR POOR MANAGEMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 000710 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/26/2015 TAGS: PGOV PREL KCOR CG SUBJECT: S. KIVU GOVERNOR REMOVED FOR POOR MANAGEMENT Classified By: Poloff Meghan Moore for Reasons 1.4 B and D ¶1. (C) SUMMARY. South Kivu Governor Augustin Bulaimu was dismissed April 25 for poor management and large-scale embezzlement. Post welcomes his dismissal. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) After months of negotiations, Minister of Interior Theophile Mbemba "permanently" suspended South Kivu Governor Augustin Bulaimu April 25 for poor management and large-scale embezzlement during an official visit to Bukavu. Mbemba also recalled the two vice governors (Nzaratimana and Kanangini) to Kinshasa for consultations, and put the nails in Balaimu's political coffin by publishing sections of the confidential investigation into his blatant (even by Congolese standards) theft. Close presidential advisors told polcouns April 26 that Bulaimu had in fact been 'fired,' and not just suspended. Mbemba told polcouns April 25 that he had not yet decided whether to leave Bulaimu's job vacant until after elections. COMMENT -------------- ¶3. (C) Good riddance. Since being named governor in May 2004, Bulaimu has been recalled to Kinshasa for blatant stealing, has threatened to close local radio stations, and has developed an across-the-board reputation as a drunk, corrupt, ineffective governor. His dismissal will likely improve the political and social situation in South Kivu. DOUGHERTY