Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KINSHASA381
2006-03-07 12:16:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
"ESCAPED" OPPOSITION LEADER TAKES REFUGE AT SOUTH
how-toVZCZCXRO0686 PP RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR DE RUEHKI #0381 0661216 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 071216Z MAR 06 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3339 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
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000381
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM CG
SUBJECT: "ESCAPED" OPPOSITION LEADER TAKES REFUGE AT SOUTH
AFRICAN EMBASSY
REF: KINSHASA 44
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000381
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM CG
SUBJECT: "ESCAPED" OPPOSITION LEADER TAKES REFUGE AT SOUTH
AFRICAN EMBASSY
REF: KINSHASA 44
1. (SBU) Following a March 2 Supreme Court hearing regarding
the legality of his detention, Pastor Ngoy, a minor but vocal
opposition leader, managed to elude his police guard to take
refuge at the South African embassy. He had been jailed at
Kinshasa Central Prison since December 31 for "offending the
President" (reftel).
2. (SBU) According to South African poloff, Ngoy was offered
protection, in accordance with the mandates of the South
African constitution, when he claimed his life was in danger.
As of March 7, Ngoy is still at the embassy where he will
remain until the Supreme Court reaches a decision in his
case. Per press reports, the South African ambassador has
said he will consult with the DRC government before returning
Ngoy, in the event that the Supreme Court rules against him.
3. (SBU) Comment: Given the political clumsiness of Ngoy's
arrest, officials may have decided to look the other way as
Ngoy "escaped" in order to rid themselves of the problem.
End comment.
MEECE
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM CG
SUBJECT: "ESCAPED" OPPOSITION LEADER TAKES REFUGE AT SOUTH
AFRICAN EMBASSY
REF: KINSHASA 44
1. (SBU) Following a March 2 Supreme Court hearing regarding
the legality of his detention, Pastor Ngoy, a minor but vocal
opposition leader, managed to elude his police guard to take
refuge at the South African embassy. He had been jailed at
Kinshasa Central Prison since December 31 for "offending the
President" (reftel).
2. (SBU) According to South African poloff, Ngoy was offered
protection, in accordance with the mandates of the South
African constitution, when he claimed his life was in danger.
As of March 7, Ngoy is still at the embassy where he will
remain until the Supreme Court reaches a decision in his
case. Per press reports, the South African ambassador has
said he will consult with the DRC government before returning
Ngoy, in the event that the Supreme Court rules against him.
3. (SBU) Comment: Given the political clumsiness of Ngoy's
arrest, officials may have decided to look the other way as
Ngoy "escaped" in order to rid themselves of the problem.
End comment.
MEECE