UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000309

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR AF/C AND INR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL BY
SUBJECT: BURUNDI: RADJABU APPEARS BEFORE PROSECUTOR GENERAL
AMIDST TIGHT SECURITY

REF: BUJUMBURA 306


1. (SBU) On April 26, former CNDD-FDD party president
Hussein Radjabu is appearing for the second time before
Burundi,s Prosecutor General in response to a warrant issued
against him on April 25. The reasons for Radjabu,s
appearance have not been confirmed but it is widely believed
that the recent discovery of a tape detailing plans for an
armed rebellion is the impetus for the warrant (reftel.)
Radjabu initially met with the Prosecutor General on the
afternoon of April 25 and later returned to his residence
after being questioned for one and a half hours.


2. (SBU) Radjabu,s appearance before the Prosecutor
General is being conducted with very heavy security. The
national police are refusing all vehicles, including
Radjabu,s convoy, access to the Prosecutor's compund. Two
National Assembly members and staunch Radjabu supporters,
Kayenza,s Nadine Nzomukunda, and Pascaline Kampayano from
Ngozi, attempted to accompany the former party president but
have also been denied entry onto the premises.


3. (SBU) The Burundi national police force has implemented
additional security measures throughout Bujumbura to
discourage any disruption of national security. A large 24
hour police presence has been established outside of
Radjabu,s residence. The security forces are searching all
vehicles entering or leaving the premises. Additional
security has been posted around many of the diplomatic
missions to thwart any Radjabu attempt to seek refuge from
possible future prosecution.


4. (SBU) On April 24, African Public Radio announced the
existence of a three hour recording of a speech by Radjabu to
representatives of CNDD-FDD,s demobilized soldiers
expressing his desire to start an armed rebellion. The
objective of the insurrection would be to tarnish the image
of Nkurunziza,s government and to create a launch point for
Radjabu,s own CNDD-FDD party wing in preparation for the
next elections in 2010 (reftel).


5. (SBU) Comment: As a current member of Burundi,s
National Assembly, Radjabu is entitled to immunity from
arrest and prosecution. Radjabu,s earlier release from the
prosecutor,s office without substantive action may signal
the government,s desire to ensure that all legal obstacles
have been removed before Radjabu,s arrest. It is believed
but unconfirmed that the Prosecutor General has initiated
procedures for requesting Radjabu,s immunity to be lifted.
End Comment.
MOLLER