Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KIGALI472
2009-07-30 14:03:00
SECRET
Embassy Kigali
Cable title:
NEXT STEPS FOR THE RWANDA-DRC PARTNERSHIP
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHLGB #0472 2111403 ZNY SSSSS ZZH P 301403Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY KIGALI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6209 INFO RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 0468 RUEHJB/AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA 0566 RUEHDR/AMEMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM 1380 RUEHKM/AMEMBASSY KAMPALA 2165 RUEHKI/AMEMBASSY KINSHASA 0719 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0481 RUEHNR/AMEMBASSY NAIROBI 1501 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0752 RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 2105 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
S E C R E T KIGALI 000472
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/28/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS KMCA RW
SUBJECT: NEXT STEPS FOR THE RWANDA-DRC PARTNERSHIP
Classified By: Ambassador W. Stuart Symington for reasons 1.4 (b) (d)
S E C R E T KIGALI 000472
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/28/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS KMCA RW
SUBJECT: NEXT STEPS FOR THE RWANDA-DRC PARTNERSHIP
Classified By: Ambassador W. Stuart Symington for reasons 1.4 (b) (d)
1. (S) In a July 24 conversation with DCM (then Charge),
National Security Service (NSS) Director General Emmanuel
Ndahiro said he expected Presidents Kagame and Kabila to meet
some time before the UNGA sessions in New York in September.
He did not have a specific date, but added that the
possiblity of other joint operations would be a natural topic
for such a meeting. He said such a discussion would hinge on
the results of Kabila's broad-ranging review of FARDC
operations in the North and Sound Kivu, which he said would
be held at the end of July. "At that point," Ndahiro added,
"the Congolese might approach the GOR for a discussion of
possible future operations." Ndahiro explained that he
considered the first Rwandan-DRC joint operation, Umoja Wetu,
to be a limited security success, while noting its diplomatic
importance and the considerably improved relations between
the two nations. He also confirmed that arrangements for the
exchange of Ambassadors between the two countries was
proceeding apace. (Note: The GOR has reportedly approved the
DRC's Ambassador designate. End Note.)
2. (S) In an earlier discussion with pol/econ counselor, NSS
External Affairs Chief Joseph Nzabamwita said that the
"question" of new joint military operations had not yet been
"tabled for discussion" by the two governments. He described
the DRC's message to the government of Rwanda (GOR) as the
following: "Let us employ our forces," and if the situation
"gets out of hand," then "we'll get back to you." According
to Nzabamwita, the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) have been
active operationally, and have had some successes and some
reverses. They had not "massively abandoned the field," nor
engaged in any new "joining of forces" with the FDLR (as
often accused of in the past by the GOR). On that basis,
Nzabamwita said the GOR was content to observe FARDC
operations, while keeping a close watch on the evolving
situation.
3. (S) Comment. The recent dramatic increase in Rwandan-DRC
cooperation is no overnight success: it is the result of the
two parties' recognition of their shared fundamental
interests and reflects sustained encouragement and effort by
the U.S. and others to bring them together. The key
challenge now is to nurture this partnership and extend it
from the diplomatic and security arenas to economic
development benefitting both countries. We expect that
Kagame-Kabila discussions will touch on all these elements.
End Comment.
SYMINGTON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/28/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS KMCA RW
SUBJECT: NEXT STEPS FOR THE RWANDA-DRC PARTNERSHIP
Classified By: Ambassador W. Stuart Symington for reasons 1.4 (b) (d)
1. (S) In a July 24 conversation with DCM (then Charge),
National Security Service (NSS) Director General Emmanuel
Ndahiro said he expected Presidents Kagame and Kabila to meet
some time before the UNGA sessions in New York in September.
He did not have a specific date, but added that the
possiblity of other joint operations would be a natural topic
for such a meeting. He said such a discussion would hinge on
the results of Kabila's broad-ranging review of FARDC
operations in the North and Sound Kivu, which he said would
be held at the end of July. "At that point," Ndahiro added,
"the Congolese might approach the GOR for a discussion of
possible future operations." Ndahiro explained that he
considered the first Rwandan-DRC joint operation, Umoja Wetu,
to be a limited security success, while noting its diplomatic
importance and the considerably improved relations between
the two nations. He also confirmed that arrangements for the
exchange of Ambassadors between the two countries was
proceeding apace. (Note: The GOR has reportedly approved the
DRC's Ambassador designate. End Note.)
2. (S) In an earlier discussion with pol/econ counselor, NSS
External Affairs Chief Joseph Nzabamwita said that the
"question" of new joint military operations had not yet been
"tabled for discussion" by the two governments. He described
the DRC's message to the government of Rwanda (GOR) as the
following: "Let us employ our forces," and if the situation
"gets out of hand," then "we'll get back to you." According
to Nzabamwita, the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) have been
active operationally, and have had some successes and some
reverses. They had not "massively abandoned the field," nor
engaged in any new "joining of forces" with the FDLR (as
often accused of in the past by the GOR). On that basis,
Nzabamwita said the GOR was content to observe FARDC
operations, while keeping a close watch on the evolving
situation.
3. (S) Comment. The recent dramatic increase in Rwandan-DRC
cooperation is no overnight success: it is the result of the
two parties' recognition of their shared fundamental
interests and reflects sustained encouragement and effort by
the U.S. and others to bring them together. The key
challenge now is to nurture this partnership and extend it
from the diplomatic and security arenas to economic
development benefitting both countries. We expect that
Kagame-Kabila discussions will touch on all these elements.
End Comment.
SYMINGTON