RWANDA: CREDIBLE VOICES IN THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L KIGALI 000882

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR IIP/CTCC JAMES VAN DE VELDE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/01/2017
TAGS: PHUM PGOV RW
SUBJECT: RWANDA: CREDIBLE VOICES IN THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY

REF: STATE 122288

Classified By: Ambassador Michael R. Arietti, reason 1.4 (B/D)

(C) Rwanda's Islamic community is small and inward-looking,
functions both of its status as a neglected minority
population for much of Rwanda's modern history as well as
Rwanda's own general isolation from the rest of the world.
In the wake of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has created a
cooperative system of constitutional government in which all
political, social and religious groups participate. Given
this specific historical context, Muslims do not raise their
voices as independent advocates for any brand of religious
particularism that could upset the hard-won social peace and
personal security Rwandans now enjoy. It is thus difficult
to identify prominent Muslims who would be willing to speak
out to international audiences on subjects that do not have a
direct impact on local efforts to rebuild Rwanda. With that
brief introduction, we offer the following person for
consideration as a "credible voice" in the Rwandan Muslim
community:

--Bio Data
Name: Sheikh Saleh Habimana
Title: Mufti of Rwanda
DPOB: Rwamagana, January 2, 1960
Education: Bachelor degree in Islamic Call, Tripoli, Libya

--Area of Influence
Limited to Rwanda, although he does participate in regional
multi-faith gatherings.

--Audience
Rwandan Muslims

--Forums
Muslim educational institutions, mosques, family gatherings,
regional inter-faith events; plans exist to establish a
Muslim radio station.

--Disagreements with US policy
Mufti Habimana has been critical of US intervention in Iraq.

--Advocating violence against the US.
No known record of such.

--Position on jihad
Not a known advocate of jihad.

--Derogatory information
There are accounts that he had helped himself to donor funds,
degree of cupidity unknown.

--Known calls for violence against this individual
None

--His relationship with USG
Sent on International Visitor program in 2003-4. Has several
times spoken at the Embassy's annual genocide memorial
service for local employees. DOD has funded the construction
of several Muslim schools; an initiative recognized by the
Mufti.




ARIETTI