Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05KINSHASA791
2005-05-11 13:42:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:  

ANGOLAN-TRAINED CONGOLESE TROOPS LOOK GOOD -

Tags:  MARR MASS PGOV PREL CG 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 000791 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/11/2015
TAGS: MARR MASS PGOV PREL CG
SUBJECT: ANGOLAN-TRAINED CONGOLESE TROOPS LOOK GOOD -
COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING


Classified By: PolCouns MSanderson, reasons 1.4 b/d.

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 000791

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/11/2015
TAGS: MARR MASS PGOV PREL CG
SUBJECT: ANGOLAN-TRAINED CONGOLESE TROOPS LOOK GOOD -
COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING


Classified By: PolCouns MSanderson, reasons 1.4 b/d.


1. (C) PolCouns attended the May 6 "graduation" ceremony for
the two brigades of Congolese troops trained by the Angolans
at Kitona base (in Bas-Congo province). The visit was
organized by the Angolan Ambassador and Chief of the
Congolese Army General Kisempia, and several CIAT Ambassadors
(including the French, British and South African) and SRSG
William Swing attended, as did Congolese Minister of Defense
Adolphe Onusumba and the Angolan chief of the army. Compared
to the average Congolese soldier -- and especially given
private complaints by the Angolan trainers that they hadn't
been given good troops with which to work -- the graduating
soldiers were pretty good. Although they had to stand at
parade rest for almost four hours (thanks to the late arrival
of the Defense Minister and the two army chiefs) the soldiers
did not break ranks and, when the dignitaries did arrive, the
troops snapped into "present arms" in perfect sychronization,
marching in step and rank order. They also conducted a field
exercise using live ammunition (including live morter rounds,
which startled the onlookers).


2. (C) Comment: These are the major Congolese elements
intended to work with Monuc in combatting the FDLR elements
in the two Kivus, should military action be needed. Even
with their Angolan trainers accompanying them, however (which
currently is the plan),and despite their fairly remarkable
progress (by Congolese terms) they are far from ready for a
lead role in fighting the FDLR. They might, however, be able
to accompany the Pakistani and Indian troops in a
well-defined supporting role.
DOUGHERTY