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