Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07KINSHASA1040
2007-08-31 13:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:  

KIVU DEMARCHE DELIVERED IN KINSHASA

Tags:  PREL PGOV MARR KDEM CG RW UG 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO5664
PP RUEHDU RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #1040/01 2431338
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 311338Z AUG 07
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK PRIORITY
INFO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6785
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 001040 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/30/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR KDEM CG RW UG
SUBJECT: KIVU DEMARCHE DELIVERED IN KINSHASA

REF: A. KINSHASA 949


B. KINSHASA 1032

C. KINSHASA 882

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 001040

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/30/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR KDEM CG RW UG
SUBJECT: KIVU DEMARCHE DELIVERED IN KINSHASA

REF: A. KINSHASA 949


B. KINSHASA 1032

C. KINSHASA 882


1. (C) Summary. Congolese Foreign Minister Mbusa Nyamwisi
is generally receptive to U.S. views on the current situation
in the Kivu provinces. He has been active in promoting
diplomatic engagement with Uganda and Rwanda, and confirmed
high-level meetings with each for September. He appreciates
U.S. involvement, and has invited a U.S. observer to attend
his September 3-4 meetings with Rwandan Foreign Minister
Murigande. He expressed hope that the October SSR Contact
Group roundtable will result in a plan, timetable and
resources to reform the Congolese military. He confirmed
that a Kivu inter-community roundtable would be held next
month. He is one of the more forward-leaning members of the
government on the problems of the east, but his influence on
Kabila's thinking is open to question. End summary.


2. (C) Charge delivered Kivu demarche to Minister of State
for External Relations and International Cooperation Mbusa
Nyamwisi during an August 29 introductory call. Mbusa was
generally receptive to U.S. views; discussion was cordial and
animated. Mbusa's comments indicated the demarche points
reflect many of his own positions, but he was clear in noting
the weakness of the Congolese military in taking needed
actions. Mbusa's diplomatic counselor, Great Lakes adviser
and protocol chief sat in, as did PolCouns.


3. (C) Charge conveyed U.S. support for the sovereign
authority of the Congolese government and Washington's
interest in assisting its efforts to extend it throughout its
territory. Mbusa expressed appreciation, noting in
particular other U.S. support at such venues as the General
Assembly, Security Council and Tripartite Plus Commission.
He extended special thanks to DAS Jim Swan.


4. (C) Charge emphasized U.S. interest in helping Congo
resolve problems posed by negative forces in the east. He
underscored the importance of avoiding any collaboration with

the FDLR, and highlighted upcoming high-level meetings by
Congo with Uganda and Rwanda. Mbusa noted he had reached
agreement in Kampala on a summit between Kabila and Museveni
September 7 in Arusha, to be preceded by a ministerial.
Calling it a solution "a l'angolaise," he expressed
confidence the two governments were on the way to finalizing
arrangements to resolve differences on border demarcation and
sharing of natural resources (ref A),including elements
similar to those agreed to in late July with Angola (ref B).
He also asked for U.S. assistance to attract American
investment in Congolese resources.


5. (C) Mbusa also confirmed the September 3-4 visit of
Rwandan Foreign Minister Charles Murigande to Kinshasa. He
said FDLR will be one of most important points on their
agenda. Other items: legalizing cross-border trade, opening
of consulates in four border cities. He estimated there are
currently around 6000 FDLR fighters, who, as do Mai-Mai
militias, continue to prey on civilians. He said the two
ministers will issue a joint declaration following the
meeting.


6. (C) Mbusa noted that composition of the delegations had
not been determined. He expressed interest in having the
U.S. act as facilitator of the meeting, similar to the role
played by the USG in meetings of the Tripartite Plus
Commission. It soon became clear he meant in fact to raise
the issue of the U.S. acting, along with others such as
MONUC, the EU and South Africa, as official observers. He
said both he and Murigande were in accord on this. (Note:
Embassy received an official invitation August 31. Charge
will participate as U.S. representative. End note.)


7. (C) Charge raised the importance of military reform,
highlighting the SSR Contact Group roundtable planed for
October in Kinshasa. Mbusa expressed hope that the
roundtable would flesh out a plan, timetable and roles. "We
don't have the means to put things in order," he lamented,
"we need help." He expressed frustration about the
government being asked to take actions it does not have the
means to take.


8. (C) Charge asked for an update on plans for a Kivu
inter-community conference. Mbusa said it had been
authorized by the High Defense Council August 25, but had no
further details. He said rivalries between Goma and Bukavu
could mean holding it in a neutral site such as Kisangani.

KINSHASA 00001040 002 OF 002


(Note: One Kinshasa news report indicated Kabila has asked
Interior Minister General Denis Kalume to organize the
conference. SRSG Swing told P3 2 ambassadors August 30 that
MONUC is continuing to push for a site somewhere in the Kivu
provinces. End note.)


9. (C) Charge expressed hope for Congolese diplomatic
rapprochement with Uganda and with Rwanda. Mbusa noted that
this would be more difficult with Rwanda, but his comments
indicated he clearly wants this to happen, among other
reasons because it would facilitate resolution of other
bilateral issues. He said the two governments currently
communicate through MONUC. He said initial steps toward full
diplomatic relations would focus on building consular
relations in border provinces (ref C). He said North Kivu
Governor Juliem Paluku -- a political protg -- would be
meeting with his Rwandan provincial counterpart in the near
future. He noted that Kinshasa would host the 11 heads of
state of the Great Lakes Conference next year, including
Kagame, implying the possibility of direct discussions
between him and Kabila at that time.


10. (C) Charge also noted the planned September 10-14 visit
to AF Senior Adviser Tim Shortley o Kinshasa in advance of
the Tripartite Plus Commission in Kampala. Mbusa responded
positively to the suggestion of a meeting with Shortley. He
expressed hope for a continued role for the international
community in mediating differences with Rwanda.


11. (C) Comment. Mbusa, a Nande from North Kivu, is one of
the more forward-leaning members of the government in his
approach the problems of the east. However, his longstanding
ties with Uganda in particular, dating to before the civil
war, have created lasting suspicions among Kabila's inner
circle as to his motives and objectives. He is playing an
increasingly prominent tactical diplomatic role, but his
influence on Kabila's strategic thinking is open to question.
End comment.
BROCK