Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KINSHASA1195
2006-07-27 14:04:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
BEMBA'S SECURITY FORCES FIRE WEAPONS DURING VP'S
how-toVZCZCXRO2931 PP RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #1195 2081404 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 271404Z JUL 06 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4467 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
C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001195
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2016
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPKO CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: BEMBA'S SECURITY FORCES FIRE WEAPONS DURING VP'S
MARCH INTO KINSHASA
Classified By: PolOff CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.
C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001195
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2016
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPKO CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: BEMBA'S SECURITY FORCES FIRE WEAPONS DURING VP'S
MARCH INTO KINSHASA
Classified By: PolOff CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.
1. (C) As Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba made his way on
foot from Kinshasa's airport to the city's soccer stadium for
an anticipated political rally, his security forces
reportedly fired their weapons into the air as jet aircraft
flew overhead. The planes, dispatched by Air Force Chief of
Staff John Numbi, had been on patrol over the capital to
provide aerial reconnaissance during the elections period.
Bemba's security forces, however, claimed they fired at the
aircraft because they believed the planes were about to
strafe and bomb the Vice President's procession. According to
reports, several Congolese police officers were injured
during the incident, although the police reportedly did not
retaliate against Bemba's forces.
2. (C) Meanwhile, as Bemba was arriving from the airport, one
of the building in the downtown section of Kinshasa (which
Bemba occasionally inhabits) caught fire. The building houses
Bemba's protocolary office and is heavily guarded by several
of his security forces from the MLC.
3. (C) Comment: It is unlikely Bemba's residence was set
afire by any of his political opponents, as the location is
heavily guarded by his own security detail. Whether or not
the fire was deliberately set, Bemba will certainly try to
profit from the incident to generate sympathy -- and to raise
questions about political candidates' security -- as he
returns to Kinshasa from a long campaign trip. While the
measured response of police forces to the shooting incident
on the way from the airport is commendable, Bemba's actions
will only serve to raise tensions further heading in to the
weekend elections. The shooting also underscores the
possibility -- however remote -- of Bemba and his private
troops instigating violence in Kinshasa after elections. End
comment.
MEECE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2016
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPKO CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: BEMBA'S SECURITY FORCES FIRE WEAPONS DURING VP'S
MARCH INTO KINSHASA
Classified By: PolOff CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.
1. (C) As Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba made his way on
foot from Kinshasa's airport to the city's soccer stadium for
an anticipated political rally, his security forces
reportedly fired their weapons into the air as jet aircraft
flew overhead. The planes, dispatched by Air Force Chief of
Staff John Numbi, had been on patrol over the capital to
provide aerial reconnaissance during the elections period.
Bemba's security forces, however, claimed they fired at the
aircraft because they believed the planes were about to
strafe and bomb the Vice President's procession. According to
reports, several Congolese police officers were injured
during the incident, although the police reportedly did not
retaliate against Bemba's forces.
2. (C) Meanwhile, as Bemba was arriving from the airport, one
of the building in the downtown section of Kinshasa (which
Bemba occasionally inhabits) caught fire. The building houses
Bemba's protocolary office and is heavily guarded by several
of his security forces from the MLC.
3. (C) Comment: It is unlikely Bemba's residence was set
afire by any of his political opponents, as the location is
heavily guarded by his own security detail. Whether or not
the fire was deliberately set, Bemba will certainly try to
profit from the incident to generate sympathy -- and to raise
questions about political candidates' security -- as he
returns to Kinshasa from a long campaign trip. While the
measured response of police forces to the shooting incident
on the way from the airport is commendable, Bemba's actions
will only serve to raise tensions further heading in to the
weekend elections. The shooting also underscores the
possibility -- however remote -- of Bemba and his private
troops instigating violence in Kinshasa after elections. End
comment.
MEECE