Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KINSHASA1078
2006-07-06 10:52:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
KABILA'S CAMPAIGN -- HE'S OFF AND RUNNING
how-toVZCZCXRO0397 PP RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR DE RUEHKI #1078 1871052 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 061052Z JUL 06 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4308 INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
UNCLAS KINSHASA 001078
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: KABILA'S CAMPAIGN -- HE'S OFF AND RUNNING
UNCLAS KINSHASA 001078
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: KABILA'S CAMPAIGN -- HE'S OFF AND RUNNING
1. President Kabila inaugurated his official run for the
presidency on June 30 with two strategically-placed
appearances in the first days of the presidential campaign.
In rallies held in Butembo and Goma, two key cities of North
Kivu, Kabila appeared in front of sizeable crowds -- groups
made up of curious onlookers, paid supporters, and true
believers. His opening rally in Butembo was calculated to
challenge rival candidates Mbusa Nyamwisi, Pierre Pay Pay,
and Vice President Azarias Ruberwa's claims to support in the
East. The Bishop of Butembo, an Mbusa ally, actually left
town rather than participate in the event and give even the
impression of political support to Kabila. In Goma, as well,
Kabila was received by large and welcoming crowds.
2. Comment. Kabila seems so far to be taking the high road
and presenting a message of peace, unity and reconciliation.
His banners throughout Kinshasa extoll him as "the artisan of
peace" -- interesting in that it crafts him as a man of the
people rather than as a member of the political elite. His
message on television, as well, emphasizes unity and working
towards a common future. There have so far been no direct
personal attacks on other candidates by Kabila, despite
repeated personal attacks against him by competitor
Jean-Pierre Bemba. Hopefully, Kabila can maintain a positive
tone as campaigns gather momentum. Kability probably
calculates that this stance can benefit him in both the pre-
and post-electoral periods. End comment.
MEECE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: KABILA'S CAMPAIGN -- HE'S OFF AND RUNNING
1. President Kabila inaugurated his official run for the
presidency on June 30 with two strategically-placed
appearances in the first days of the presidential campaign.
In rallies held in Butembo and Goma, two key cities of North
Kivu, Kabila appeared in front of sizeable crowds -- groups
made up of curious onlookers, paid supporters, and true
believers. His opening rally in Butembo was calculated to
challenge rival candidates Mbusa Nyamwisi, Pierre Pay Pay,
and Vice President Azarias Ruberwa's claims to support in the
East. The Bishop of Butembo, an Mbusa ally, actually left
town rather than participate in the event and give even the
impression of political support to Kabila. In Goma, as well,
Kabila was received by large and welcoming crowds.
2. Comment. Kabila seems so far to be taking the high road
and presenting a message of peace, unity and reconciliation.
His banners throughout Kinshasa extoll him as "the artisan of
peace" -- interesting in that it crafts him as a man of the
people rather than as a member of the political elite. His
message on television, as well, emphasizes unity and working
towards a common future. There have so far been no direct
personal attacks on other candidates by Kabila, despite
repeated personal attacks against him by competitor
Jean-Pierre Bemba. Hopefully, Kabila can maintain a positive
tone as campaigns gather momentum. Kability probably
calculates that this stance can benefit him in both the pre-
and post-electoral periods. End comment.
MEECE