RWANDA ON TALKS WITH CONGO, OBASANJO

C O N F I D E N T I A L KIGALI 000811 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR RW SUBJECT: RWANDA ON TALKS WITH CONGO, OBASANJO Classified By: Ambassador W. Stuart Symington for Reasons 1.4 (b) (d) ¶1. (U) In a follow-up to talks held in Kinshasa October 31 - November 1, a DRC delegation led by Foreign Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba visited Kigali November 14-15 to continue discussions on events in eastern Congo, normalization of relations, and next steps. Rwandan Foreign Minister Rosemary Museminali led the GOR delegation in the talks (which included a courtesy call on President Kagame). In a communique read to the press by Great Lakes Special Envoy Joseph Mutaboba on November 15 (copy emailed to AF/C and AmEmbassy Kinshasa),the two sides: -- expressed concern at the security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC -- agreed that the root causes of the problems are the ex-FAR/Interahamwe (FDLR) -- noted the importance of a political solution to the conflict between the DRC and General Nkunda's CNDP -- agreed that the two sides military experts would present plans and strategies in two weeks -- agreed to speed up the process of normalization of diplomatic relations, using the Economic Community for the Great Lakes (CEPGL) to assist -- decided to meet again in two weeks time in Goma. ¶2. (C) In comments to us on November 20, Ambassador Mutaboba noted what he termed a "new approach" by the DRC side, saying the Congolese government now acknowledges it cannot disarm armed groups in the Congo itself, and needs the assistance of "friendly forces" to engage the FDLR. These forces, said Mutaboba, would not include Rwandan military, although Rwanda would certainly say "yes" if asked. However, the proposal made in the Kinshasa talks on the assigning of Rwandan intelligence officers to the FARDC was proceeding, he said, with discussions now underway between the two militaries on the exact modalities. As Rwandan officials have said for some time, Mutaboba emphasized that cooperative discussions and agreements on various points were positive developments, but ultimately there needed to be action and results. ¶3. (C) Mutaboba also spoke briefly on the visit of former Nigerian President Obasanjo to Kigali and his meetings with President Kagame and other officials. Obasanjo's pledge to examine previous engagements and agreements was welcomed, said Mutaboba, as well as Obasanjo's recognition that the "root cause" of instability in eastern Congo was the ex-FAR/Interahamwe/FDLR. Obasanjo brought the gravitas of a former military leader and elected President to the situation, he said, and he appeared to have the best of intentions. However, said Mutaboba, action and implementation were necessary. ¶4. (U) Text of Communique is as follows: On 14th and 15th November 2008, the delegation of the Republic of Rwanda and the Delegation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led respectively by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda Honorable Rosemary MUSEMINALI and of DRC, Honorable Alexis THAMBWE MWAMBA, met at SERENA Hotel in Kigali. This was a follow up of a meeting held in Kinshasa from the 31st October 2008 to the 1st November 2008 as well as contacts with the respective heads of state. -- Both ministers expressed concern on the insecurity and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC and observed that the root causes of these challenges are the ex-FAR/Interahamwe and agreed to use all means possible to uproot it. Agreed to use all means possible to uproot it. -- Both Ministers called on all parties concerned to respect the cease-fire and condemned some armed groups that are impeding that distribution of humanitarian aid. -- Both parties noted the importance of a political solution to the problem between the DRC Government and the CNDP. Rwanda agreed to make its contribution to the resolution of the problem. -- The delegations agreed to have their respective military experts to provide a military plans and strategy to the two teams in two weeks time. -- Both parties agreed on speeding up the process of normalization of diplomatic relations. It was also agreed that CEPGL as a skeleton that will provide an opportunity for augmenting the process of normalization of relations should be supported. -- The two Teams shall meet again in Goma in two weeks time. The Minister of Foreign affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo and his delegation paid a courtesy call to H.E Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda. -- The meeting was held in a frank and cordial atmosphere. KIGALI, 15th November 2008. End text. SYMINGTON