BURUNDI'S FORMER 2ND VICE PRESIDENT ARRESTED

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000176

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/C

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL BY
SUBJECT: BURUNDI'S FORMER 2ND VICE PRESIDENT ARRESTED

REF: BUJUMBURA 81


1. (U) Summary: Burundi's National Security Services (SNR)
arrested former Vice President Marina Barampama on March 13
on charges of being a "threat to the internal security of the
state". The charges are likely related to the import of
building materials, which many believe are for her personal
use. President Nkurunziza dismissed Barampama, a staunch
supporter of the deposed ruling party head, Hussein Radjabu,
on February 9. End Summary.


2. (U) Burundi's National Security Services (SNR) arrested
former Vice President Marina Barampama at her residence for
security violations related to the importation of goods from
China. The arrest warrant accused Barampama as being a
threat to the internal security of state and other,. The
other, was not described in detail in the warrant. It is
believed that she is being held at the central prison in
Bujumbura.


3. (U) The security violation pertains to a shipment of
building materials that arrived in Bujumbura in the name of
the Office of the Second Vice President. Imports for
official government purposes are exempt from customs duty
costs. The building materials in question include iron,
steel, and glass, totaling approximately $150,000.


4. (U) Many have speculated that much of the building
materials is intended for use at her personal residence.
Barampama reportedly sent her warehouse manager to China to
purchase the materials prior to her removal from office on
February 9. However, the goods arrived in Burundi only last
week and, upon checking the name of the recipient, piqued the
interest of customs officials.


5. (U) President Nkurunziza removed Barampama from office
due to insubordination and irresponsibility,. Most
notably, Barampama, a key supporter of former CNDD-FDD party
president, Hussein Radjabu, had attempted to call a meeting
of socio-economic ministers who report to her in an effort to
stem the attendance of the party Congress held in Ngozi on
February 7. The Ngozi Congress resulted in the removal of
Radjabu as the head of the ruling party, CNDD-FDD.


6. (SBU) Comment. Barampama's incarceration may be a
signal to Radjabu and his allies that no one is above the law
and appropriate action will be taken to combat public
corruption. Her arrest comes on the heels of her press
communication on a public web-site, in which she challenged
President Nkurunziza's decision and the legality of her
removal as the Second Vice President. End Comment.
MOLLER