BURUNDI: RADJABU APPEARS BEFORE PROSECUTOR GENERAL

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