VIOLENCE STRIKES COURTHOUSE, DELIBERATIONS AND

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001777 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV ASEC KDEM KPKO CG ELECTIONS SUBJECT: VIOLENCE STRIKES COURTHOUSE, DELIBERATIONS AND FINAL DECISION DELAYED REF: KINSHASA 1765 ¶1. (U) Summary: Supporters of presidential candidate Jean-Pierre Bemba clashed with police November 21 at the Supreme Court building on the initial day of hearings on Bemba's chalenges to provisional presidential election resuls announced on November 15. No American citizens ere involved, although an Embassy political assitant was present throughout the confrontation. Sme documents related to Bemba's legal challenge wre reportedly destroyed, but the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) has copies of all election materials. Court deliberations may not be able to resume for 48-72 hours. The 7th Integrated Brigade of the national army (FARDC) has been deployed to the area around the Court, replacing the Congolese police forces who fled the confrontation. The Committee to Support the Transition (CIAT) plans to issue a statement condemning the violence and calling for both side to do the same. End summary. ¶2. (U) Violenceinstigated by supporters of presidential candidae Jean-Pierre Bemba broke out on November 21, thefirst day of Supreme Court hearings on challenges o the electoral results brought by Bemba's Movemnt for the Liberation of the Congo (MLC) party (ef A). A crowd estimated at 200 clashed with poice, beat at least one officer, destroyed vehicle, set fire to a court building and court records and looted adjacent offices. ¶3. (U) The disturance began at about 11:20 when a crowd of Bemba upporters -- apparently intent upon provocation -- approached the Supreme Court, beating on cars wit sticks, throwing rocks, and trying to destroy plice vehicles. The Court had recently taken a recess during its hearing on Bemba's electoral challenge, but justices and observers were still inside the building. After members of the National Congolese Police (PNC) fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd, followed by teargas, unidentified members of the crowd returned fire. The police "retreated," with some witnesses reporting that many police jettisoned their uniforms and fled. About 150 MONUC peacekeepers were dispatched to the scene at about 12:00, where they took up position and stabilized the situation. ¶4. (U) One of the Court's annexes was completely destroyed by fire and the exterior of the main Court building showed signs of smoke damage. Reports indicate that the crowd pillaged computers, office supplies and other personal effects from Court buildings, and looted an adjacent building belonging to the city government. The extent of the damage has not yet been assessed, but some Court records relevant to Bemba's electoral challenge were reportedly destroyed. Although the CEI maintains copies of all electoral documents, the disruption could delay the Court's deliberations by 48 to 72 hours. ¶5. (U) The CIAT met on November 21 and discussed the situation. A communique condemning the violence is to be issued on November 22.. ¶6. (SBU) Comment. A potentially explosive situation was fortunately brought under control thanks to the quick response of MONUC peacekeepers. Also fortunate is the fact that, despite the close proximity of the disturbance to Bemba's office and residence, none of his uniformed militia were drawn in and the violence did not escalate. The failure of the Congolese police, however, was particularly worrisome. Eyewitnesses reported policemen stripping off their uniforms, laying down their arms, and fleeing. This left a gap through which the crowd gained access to the Courthouse. Minister of the Interior Denis Kalume has now requested deployment of members of the FARDC 7th Integrated Brigade in their place. This deployment was made the evening of November 21. The presence of FARDC troops at the Court and other key trouble spots carries its own risks during an already tense period. End comment. MEECE