DRC ELECTIONS: POLITICAL LEADERS URGE CALM AFTER

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 001208

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/28/2016
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPKO CG ELECTIONS
SUBJECT: DRC ELECTIONS: POLITICAL LEADERS URGE CALM AFTER
TENSE DAY IN KINSHASA

REF: KINSHASA 1195

Classified By: PolOff CBrown, reasons 1.4 b/d.


1. (C) The atmosphere in Kinshasa is largely calm two days
before the scheduled July 30 presidential and legislative
elections, despite several outbreaks of violence in the city
July 27. As reported reftel, some security forces of Vice
President Jean-Pierre Bemba (Movement for the Liberation of
Congo, MLC) fired their weapons into the air during Bemba's
march from the airport to a local stadium for a political
rally. Some of his supporters subsequently took to the
streets in the Masina district of Kinshasa, tearing down some
of President Kabila's campaign posters and looting and
burning several buildings.


2. (C) In the wake of the violence, three policemen were
reportedly killed and 18 wounded, five of them seriously. One
civilian was also reportedly killed during the
demonstrations. Nine police vehicles were destroyed, and five
police stations ransacked as MLC supporters stole weapons
that had been seized earlier in the day from marchers who
were accompanying Bemba during his procession into Kinshasa.
Other locations damaged the night of July 27 included the
headquarters of the High Media Authority, two churches --
including the Church of the Eternal Army (headed by a Kabila
supporter, Sony Kafuta) -- and the Congolese Observatory for
Human Rights. A local bar where popular musician Werrason (a
Kabila supporter) performs was also destroyed.


3. (C) Ambassador spoke to MLC Secretary General (and
Minister of Budget) Francois Mwamba July 28 regarding the
incidents of the previous night. Mwamba said he and the party
deplored the violence and did not support such actions. The
Ambassador added that it is important at this point for
political leaders to encourage their members to be calm
during the elections period. especially since people are "on
edge" and thus tensions are running very high. Mwamba agreed
and said, "You can count on us." In a separate conversation,
Ambassador also spoke with Kabila special adviser Augustin
Katumba, who strongly criticized the outburst of violence,
adding that the "international community needs to control
Bemba." Katumba said the PPRD will be sending a message to
its followers to refrain from any violence and not let
themselves be provoked, as that will only exacerbate the
situation.


4. (C) Despite earlier indications (reftel) that the jets
that flew over Kinshasa the afternoon of July 27 were under
the command of Air Force Chief of Staff John Numbi (prompting
the firing from Bemba's security forces),the planes were in
fact part of the European Union Force (EUFOR) stationed in
Kinshasa to provide election security and were on a routine
(but unfortunately unannounced) low-level reconnaissance
mission. Kinshasa was abuzz with rumors that the jets --
which flew low over the city -- bombed one of Bemba's
buildings in downtown Kinshasa, as the site caught on fire
shortly after the planes passed overhead. EUFOR spokesmen
denied the planes were responsible for any damage in
Kinshasa, including in Bemba's offices. Media reports June 28
also include widely divergent figures for the number of
people -- including children -- who allegedly died in the
fire; Congolese officials said no deaths resulted from the
incident.


5. (C) Comment: The brief outbursts of violence in sections
of Kinshasa seemed to have been triggered by Bemba supporters
running amok in response to rumors about the fire at Bemba's
office and the hysteria that was set off by the EUFOR planes
flying low over the city. Political rallies and
demonstrations will increase as President Kabila and Vice
President Azarias Ruberwa arrive in the capital July 28. The
city is anxious as the campaign period comes to a close, and
messages from political leaders encouraging citizens to stay
calm are definitely warranted to prevent the security
situation from getting out of hand. Importantly, Bemba
himself was making an appeal for calm at a televised rally
even while the scattered but potentially serious acts of
violence were taking place. End comment.
MEECE