BURUNDI'S PRESIDENT NKURUNZIZA DISMISSES 2ND VICE

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000081 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/C AND DRL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL BY SUBJECT: BURUNDI'S PRESIDENT NKURUNZIZA DISMISSES 2ND VICE PRESIDENT REF: A. BUJUMBURA 65 ¶B. 06 BUJUMBURA 769 ¶1. (U) On Thursday, February 8, Burundi President Nkurunziza dismissed 2nd Vice President, Marina Barampama. The media reported on February 9 that her dismissal is due to "irresponsibility and insubordination." 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. (reftel.) ¶2. (U) Barampama was appointed 2nd Vice President in September 2006, following the resignation of Alice Nzomukunda, an outspoken Radjabu critic. Although there is considerable speculation about possible candidates for Barampama's position, the President has not yet announced her successor. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: Marina Barampama is a key ally of Hussein Radjabu and, perhaps, a distant relative. Many observers have speculated that she attained her position as Vice President largely on the basis of her ties to Radjabu. Her dismissal is another indication of President Nkurunziza's desire to solidify his position in the CNDD-FDD party and the government in the wake of the party changes announced at the Congress in Ngozi. It is expected that President Nkurunziza will continue with further realignment of his Cabinet following the appointment of a new 2nd Vice President. MOLLER