Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KINSHASA790
2006-05-19 09:23:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
how-toVZCZCXRO0509 PP RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR DE RUEHKI #0790 1390923 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 190923Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3901 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 000790
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR KDEM CG
SUBJECT: KABILA TO WED ON JUNE 4
REF: KINSHASA 620
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000790
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR KDEM CG
SUBJECT: KABILA TO WED ON JUNE 4
REF: KINSHASA 620
1. (U) Cardinal Frederic Etsou, the Archbishop of Kinshasa,
announced during his May 14 sermon that President Joseph
Kabila will marry his long-time partner, Marie-Olive Lembe,
on June 4 (which will also mark Kabila's 35th birthday).
Etsou said the ceremony will take place in the Sanctuary of
Notre Dame, located in the Kinshasa neighborhood of Limete.
Kabila and Lembe have one child, a five-year-old girl, with
Lembe, but neither appear publicly with the President.
Speculation regarding Kabila's marital plans had been
circulating in Kinshasa for months, and Kabila, in an
interview in the April edition of "Jeune Afrique Intelligent"
(reftel),said there were "certain obligations" he would need
to address in the months ahead.
2. (SBU) Comment: The timing of the marriage should be
regarded as a calculated political decision. Kabila's
relationship with Lembe and his out-of-wedlock child are
widely known and constituted potential political liabilities
for his presidential campaign. The marriage, on the day of
his 35th birthday (also an important milestone) and just
eight weeks before elections, will undoubtedly have the
effect of making Kabila appear more presidential. End comment.
MEECE
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR KDEM CG
SUBJECT: KABILA TO WED ON JUNE 4
REF: KINSHASA 620
1. (U) Cardinal Frederic Etsou, the Archbishop of Kinshasa,
announced during his May 14 sermon that President Joseph
Kabila will marry his long-time partner, Marie-Olive Lembe,
on June 4 (which will also mark Kabila's 35th birthday).
Etsou said the ceremony will take place in the Sanctuary of
Notre Dame, located in the Kinshasa neighborhood of Limete.
Kabila and Lembe have one child, a five-year-old girl, with
Lembe, but neither appear publicly with the President.
Speculation regarding Kabila's marital plans had been
circulating in Kinshasa for months, and Kabila, in an
interview in the April edition of "Jeune Afrique Intelligent"
(reftel),said there were "certain obligations" he would need
to address in the months ahead.
2. (SBU) Comment: The timing of the marriage should be
regarded as a calculated political decision. Kabila's
relationship with Lembe and his out-of-wedlock child are
widely known and constituted potential political liabilities
for his presidential campaign. The marriage, on the day of
his 35th birthday (also an important milestone) and just
eight weeks before elections, will undoubtedly have the
effect of making Kabila appear more presidential. End comment.
MEECE