C O N F I D E N T I A L LUSAKA 001154


STATE FOR AF/S AND INR/AF

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/10/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL ZA CG
SUBJECT: ZAMBIA: RWANDA IS THE KEY TO RESOLVING THE DRC
CRISIS

Classified By: Ambassador Donald E. Booth, reason 1.4, b/d.


1. (C) Zambian Foreign Minister Pande told Ambassador
December 9 that Rwanda was a critical part of resolving the
DRC crisis in the Kivus. Although Rwanda has denied
involvement, it is clear, according to Pande, that Rwanda has
an important role in the crisis and that role should be
further explored by Special Envoy Obasanjo, whom the Great
Lakes and African Union (AU) groupings see as "a
facilitator." As AU Chair of the Peace and Security
Committee this month, Zambia was urging him to do so. The
Government of Zambia (GRZ) supports the ongoing DRC-FDLR
talks for a peaceful resolution, but doubts they will come to
anything without Rwandan involvement. Pande scoffed at
Rwanda's claim that it was threatened by militias in DRC.


2. (C) Pande said FDLR leader Nkunde is the main culprit in
the crisis, having agreed to integrate his rebels into the
Congolese forces to become commander of the eastern regions
and then not following through. The Congolese forces then
mistakenly tried but failed to disarm them forcefully. The
GRZ is frustrated that no one seems to know what Nkunde
wants, as he was offered a commander position but then failed
to assume it. Pande said the situation is complicated by the
mining potential of the area, implying that some have
commercial interests that impede a peaceful solution.


3. (C) The Ambassador noted that the USG welcomes talks
between DRC and Rwanda and urges the FDLR to disarm and
return to Rwanda where there are reception centers for their
reintegration into society. The Ambassador conveyed USG
concern that genocidaires among the FDLR may have entered
Zambian territory. Pande claimed to be unaware of any such
reports but assured the Ambassador that any such suspects
found would be "handed over" as Zambia had done in the past.


BOOTH