Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07KINSHASA528
2007-05-11 15:19:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
MOBUTU-ERA STALWART KENGO WA DONDO ELECTED DRC
how-toVZCZCXRO2686 OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #0528 1311519 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 111519Z MAY 07 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6117 INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY IMMEDIATE RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUFOADA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000528
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG
SUBJECT: MOBUTU-ERA STALWART KENGO WA DONDO ELECTED DRC
SENATE PRESIDENT
REF: KINSHASA 526
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000528
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KDEM CG
SUBJECT: MOBUTU-ERA STALWART KENGO WA DONDO ELECTED DRC
SENATE PRESIDENT
REF: KINSHASA 526
¶1. (U) Leon Kengo wa Dondo, best known for his long service
as Mobutu's prime minister, won the presidency of the DRC
Senate May 11 over former Kabila chief of staff and human
rights minister Leonard She Okitundu by 55-49 votes. The
Senate presidenct assumes the office of chief of state on an
interim basis if that office becomes vacant.
¶2. (U) The vote, broadcast by Congolese state television,
was by secret ballot. The result indicates pro-Kengo forces
were able to win over at least 15 members of the pro-Kabila
AMP coalition to their side. Additional details to follow
septel.
¶3. (SBU) Comment: Kengo's upset victory is a setback for
the pro-Kabila camp. Rumors already circulating of generous
offers for senators' votes are reminiscent of reports from
the earlier elections of senators themselves. End comment.
MEECE