Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KINSHASA1149
2006-07-18 14:06:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
INAPPROPRIATE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE CAUSE OF BUKI
how-toP 181406Z JUL 06 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4401 INFO RWANDA COLLECTIVE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY CIA WASHDC DIA WASHDC HMSNG WASHINGTON DC HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001149
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2016
TAGS: PGOV MARR CG
SUBJECT: INAPPROPRIATE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE CAUSE OF BUKI
DEATH
Classified By: A/DCM MSanderson, reasons 1.4 b/d.
C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001149
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2016
TAGS: PGOV MARR CG
SUBJECT: INAPPROPRIATE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE CAUSE OF BUKI
DEATH
Classified By: A/DCM MSanderson, reasons 1.4 b/d.
1. (C) Given the many rumors circulating concerning the
sudden death of General Sylvain Buki, second-in-command of
the FARDC, the GDRC took the relatively unusual step of
ordering an autopsy. Autopsy results were shared with
Minister of Defense Adolphe Onusumba (from the RCD, Buki's
party) and AIR FORCE General John Numbi (from President
Kabila's political family). A/DCM spoke (separately) to both
men. Cause of death (both reported) was found to result from
a lethal mix of herbal (homeopathic) medicines prescribed by
a "traditional doctor." Onusumba said that Buki had gone to
the traditional doctor to be treated for what he, Buki,
diagnosed as malaria. Numbi, however, said that Buki went to
the herbalist to be quickly cured of his HIV/AIDs, from which
he had suffered for six years. Buki was impatient with the
antiretrovirals he had been taking, Numbi said, and wanted to
be "healed" so he could get married in December.
2. (C) Comment: The autopsy results have been widely accepted
in the DRC, mostly because Buki's antipathy towards "regular"
doctors and his preference for traditional healers was well
known. Only an isolated few -- mostly extremists -- members
of the RCD continue to insist that Buki was poisoned.
MEECE
NNNN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2016
TAGS: PGOV MARR CG
SUBJECT: INAPPROPRIATE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE CAUSE OF BUKI
DEATH
Classified By: A/DCM MSanderson, reasons 1.4 b/d.
1. (C) Given the many rumors circulating concerning the
sudden death of General Sylvain Buki, second-in-command of
the FARDC, the GDRC took the relatively unusual step of
ordering an autopsy. Autopsy results were shared with
Minister of Defense Adolphe Onusumba (from the RCD, Buki's
party) and AIR FORCE General John Numbi (from President
Kabila's political family). A/DCM spoke (separately) to both
men. Cause of death (both reported) was found to result from
a lethal mix of herbal (homeopathic) medicines prescribed by
a "traditional doctor." Onusumba said that Buki had gone to
the traditional doctor to be treated for what he, Buki,
diagnosed as malaria. Numbi, however, said that Buki went to
the herbalist to be quickly cured of his HIV/AIDs, from which
he had suffered for six years. Buki was impatient with the
antiretrovirals he had been taking, Numbi said, and wanted to
be "healed" so he could get married in December.
2. (C) Comment: The autopsy results have been widely accepted
in the DRC, mostly because Buki's antipathy towards "regular"
doctors and his preference for traditional healers was well
known. Only an isolated few -- mostly extremists -- members
of the RCD continue to insist that Buki was poisoned.
MEECE
NNNN