PRESIDENT KABILA MAKES UNANNOUNCED VISIT TO NORTH

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001815 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KPKO CG SUBJECT: PRESIDENT KABILA MAKES UNANNOUNCED VISIT TO NORTH KIVU REF: A. KINSHASA 1787 ¶B. KINSHASA 1812 ¶1. (SBU) President Joseph Kabila arrived in Goma, North Kivu in an unannounced visit November 30, accompanied by PPRD Secretary General Vital Kamerhe and advisor Marcellin SIPDIS Cishambo. Kabila traveled to Goma to address issues raised by fighting between forces loyal to renegade General Laurent Nkunda and FARDC troops in nearby Sake (ref A). ¶2. (SBU) Kabila joined Defense Minister Tharcisse Habarugira and Vice Defense Minister for Army Integration Bernard Mena, who have been in North Kivu since November 27. Interior Minister Denis Kalume, who was also in North Kivu this week, returned to Kinshasa November 29. According to a MONUC-Goma Political Officer, Kabila will hold meetings December 1 with North Kivu's Baraza interethnic regional council, North Kivu Governor Eugene Serufuli, and MONUC. Kabila also plans to visit Sake. Mena told us no contact is planned between members of the presidential delegation and Nkunda. ¶3. (SBU) Although stymied November 29 (ref B),the Baraza council met with Nkunda November 30. A North Kivu politician told us Nkunda continued to make demands on behalf of "his people," presumably the Tutsis. Mena met November 30 with a number of ethnic groups, including Tutsis, to discuss the situation. One of those Tutsis, a prominent businessman, characterized Mena as very receptive to his message -- encouraging dialogue and negotiation for a peaceful solution. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Kabila has decided, just four days before his inauguration, to tackle one of the more difficult issues facing the country. MONUC-Goma has long maintained that the Nkunda problem can only be solved politically. Kabila's presence in Goma indicates he may be open to that as well. His visit is another welcome indication of a president willing to engage personally in critical issues. End comment. MEECE