NAMIBIAN DEFENSE MINSTER INSISTS SOLDIERS WILL NOT

C O N F I D E N T I A L WINDHOEK 000365 FOR AF/S AND AF/C E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/14/2018 TAGS: PHUM PREL WA SUBJECT: NAMIBIAN DEFENSE MINSTER INSISTS SOLDIERS WILL NOT GO TO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO Classified By: Ambassador Dennise Mathieu per 1.5 (b) and (d) ¶1. (U) Namibian papers reported on November 14 that Minister of Defense Charles Namoloh told journalists that, despite Angola's announcement this week that it would send troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),the GRN would not act unilaterally and send the Namibian National Defense Force (NDF) to the region. According to the press, Namoloh declared that if the newly-formed SADC Brigade sent soldiers to the DRC, Namibia would not participate. However, he went on to say that the GRN had not made a firm decision on this issue, and that any decision would need to come from the President, who would in turn consult with the National Assembly. In addition, the press speculated that former President Sam Nujoma favors deploying NDF troops to DRC, while President Hifikepunye Pohamba does not. ¶2. (C) In a November 14 meeting with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Ambassador Veiccoh Nghiwete, DCM said we were pleased with Namoloh's remarks that Namibia would not unilaterally send troops into the DRC. Nghiwete shared that the defense staff of SADC recently met in Johannesburg and decided to send a group of SADC defense experts to assess the situation in Congo and consult with the DRC government about what kind of assistance it might provide. Nghiwete was unclear as to whether this mission had already taken place. He described the crisis as "ugly," saying "it really needs to be stopped." He said he hoped Uganda and Rwanda were not contributing to the violence, but then added, "Rwanda clearly has a hand in the situation, and it does not help." DCM reported that Assistant Secretary Frazer had had productive meetings in Nairobi, and he welcomed SADC's reiteration of the Nairobi group's call for an immediate cease-fire, establishment of humanitarian corridors, and support for full implementation of all prior agreements among the regional parties. DCM underscored the importance of the international community speaking with one voice on this issue. ¶3. (C) Comment: Namibia is one of several African nations that sent troops to the DRC in 1998 in support of then-rebel leader Laurent Kabila, while Sam Nujoma was president of Namibia. While Nujoma made a unilateral decision to deploy troops, it is unlikely President Pohamba would do so. We are heartened by the Minister of Defense's comments and will continue to counsel the GRN against unilateral action. MATHIEU