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
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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