BAN KI-MOON VISITS THE DRC ON FIRST OFFICIAL TRIP

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000105 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPKO CG SUBJECT: BAN KI-MOON VISITS THE DRC ON FIRST OFFICIAL TRIP ¶1. (U) Summary: Ban Ki-Moon, newly elected Secretary General of the United Nations, spent two days in the DRC en route to the African Union Summit. Ban met with President Kabila, Prime Minister Antoine Gizenga, members of the parliamentary opposition, and addressed the National Assembly. Ban and Kabila met at the Kisangani governor's offices toward the end of Ban's trip. Ban also visited Brazzaville briefly to meet with the Republic of Congo's president and current AU chair, Denis Sassou Nguesso. End summary. ¶2. (U) Ban Ki-Moon, the new United Nations Secretary General (UNSG),arrived in the DRC on January 26 for a two-day visit en route to the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. On his first official trip as UNSG, Ban highlighted the UN's interest in Africa and underscored the achievements of MONUC, the UN's largest peacekeeping operation. He was accompanied by his wife and by Jean-Marie Guehenno, the Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. SIPDIS -------------- Kinshasa -------------- ¶3. (U) On January 27 in Kinshasa, Ban met with Prime Minister designate Antoine Gizenga and members of the parliamentary opposition before addressing a special session of the National Assembly. He called on members of the Assembly to "make a contract of good governance" both among themselves and with the Congolese people, emphasizing that "reestablishment of the authority of the state, and the foundation of the rule of law in all countries is necessary for the consolidation of peace and democracy." Ban emphasized the need for security sector improvements, good governance, and the need to have a full role for a democratic opposition. ¶4. (U) At a press conference following his address, Ban underlined "the importance of constructive dialogue between different ethnic groups," and encouraged the DRC's "government and political leaders to engage in an inclusive political process." ¶5. (U) Ban visited the Kalembe Lembe hospital, the DRC's first hospital dedicated to treating pediatric HIV/AIDS cases. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) opened the HIV/AIDS unit, which is now supported by PEPFAR, UNICEF, and the World Food Program, among other donor groups. Ban briefly crossed the Congo River to meet with the Republic of Congo's president and current AU chair, Denis Sassou Nguesso. ¶6. (SBU) Later that evening, a somewhat sparsely-attended government dinner in Ban's honor was held in Kinshasa. In President Kabila's absence, Foreign Minister Ramazani and National Assembly President Vital Kamerhe presided. -------------- Kisangani -------------- ¶7. (U) Ban and Kabila met January 28 for an hour at the Kisangani Governor's offices. Ban reaffirmed the UN's commitment to the DRC through MONUC, the UN's largest peacekeeping force. He emphasized the need for the DRC to strengthen its army in order to sustain peace and stability. Stating "it is necessary to work together to consolidate the peace and promote development," he called for the Congolese to address the major challenges facing the country, urging improved access to healthcare and education, better provision of potable water and basic services, and general improvements in infrastructure. ¶8. (U) Ban visited MONUC's Eastern Division Headquarters, where he met with peacekeepers and praised their work in the volatile eastern Congo region. He also laid a wreath at the memorial for MONUC peacekeepers who died in the line of duty. He left directly from Kisangani for the AU Summit, accompanied by SRSG Swing. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶9. (SBU) Ban's visit sent a strong and welcome signal of the UN's commitment to the DRC, to Africa, and to peacekeeping KINSHASA 00000105 002 OF 002 operations. Clearly, MONUC is being showcased as a DPKO success story. The one off-note of the visit was the non-presence in Kinshasa of President Kabila. End comment. MEECE