INTERIOR MINISTER MBEMBA: NO MINEMBWE TERRITORY

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000431 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV CG SUBJECT: INTERIOR MINISTER MBEMBA: NO MINEMBWE TERRITORY REF: A. KINSHASA 358 ¶B. KINSHASA 383 ¶C. KINSHASA 424 ¶1. (SBU) In a March 9 press conference, DRC Interior Minister Theophile Mbemba claimed there were administrative reasons why Minembwe could not be an authorized territory, as has been advocated by RCD chief and Vice President Azerias Ruberwa (reftels). First, according to Mbemba, it is the President's prerogative to create territorial entities, not the chief of department (RCD) in control of the territory at the time. Second, the decree creating the territory took place on December 18, 2002, one day after the signing of the Global Accord. Third, the inhabitants of the territories from which Minembwe would be created have contested it. Mbemba suggested that the new National Assembly, once elected, would be the appropriate body to review the issue. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: Mbemba called his press conference to advance the PPRD position on Minembwe. His repeated characterization of the decision as administrative, not political, cast the PPRD as "simple technicians" (a moniker Mbemba used) just following the rules. His arguments were rather beside the point ( a territory could have been created by "technicians", and the majority of residents in Minembwe would not contest a decision to create a territory .) End comment. MEECE