Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KIGALI51
2009-01-28 16:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kigali
Cable title:
WHEREABOUTS OF GENERAL NKUNDA
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHLGB #0051 0281638 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 281638Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY KIGALI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5857 INFO RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 0382 RUEHJB/AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA 0480 RUEHDR/AMEMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM 1295 RUEHKM/AMEMBASSY KAMPALA 2070 RUEHKI/AMEMBASSY KINSHASA 0628 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0396 RUEHNR/AMEMBASSY NAIROBI 1404 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0658 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0195
C O N F I D E N T I A L KIGALI 000051
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/21/201
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR PINS RW
SUBJECT: WHEREABOUTS OF GENERAL NKUNDA
REF: IIR 6956007809
Classified By: Ambassador Symington for Reasons 1.4 (b) (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L KIGALI 000051
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/21/201
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR PINS RW
SUBJECT: WHEREABOUTS OF GENERAL NKUNDA
REF: IIR 6956007809
Classified By: Ambassador Symington for Reasons 1.4 (b) (d)
1. (C) As of January 28, General Laurent Nkunda continues
to be held by Rwandan security forces in his family's
residence in Gisenyi, according to close associates. He also
has access to a government residence close by. He receives
visits from family members (including a recent delivery of
clothes from his wife),but permission must be sought first.
He has access to cell phones, and his been "briefed" on his
temporary status in Gisenyi by Rwandan authorities. The
Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) apparently control his immediate
security -- Rwandan National Security Services (NSS)
operatives say, "speak to the RDF," when questioned as to his
status and treatment.
2. (C) Despite calls for Nkunda to be turned over to the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),there has been no
formal request. If a request were made, whether or not there
is a valid extradition treaty (a point still under review),
Nkunda would be likely to have an opportunity to mount a
legal challenge.
3. (C) Rwandans and resident Congolese were surprised by
Nkunda's arrest. Many were concerned that his removal from
the Kivus would put in danger those fellow rwandaphones,
living in the Congo, whom Nkunda purported to protect. A few
were openly angry, both in the city and in Congolese
rwandaphone refugee camps in Rwanda.
4. (C) Comment: President Kagame's decision to arrest
Nkunda and cooperate militarily with the DRC has changed the
intellectual landscape for Rwandans. Many doubt that the
partnership with the DRC will prove beneficial over the long
term for fellow rwandaphones in the Congo and Nkunda's
immediate extradition would increase those concerns and,
perhaps, spark anger in the CNDP that might complicate the
ongoing operation. It is likely that Rwanda will hold Nkunda
for the near future as the joint DRC/GOR operation
progresses. Whether Nkunda remains in Rwanda over the long
term, or is turned over to the DRC, or is permitted to move
elsewhere may depend on the joint operation's success. End
Comment.
SYMINGTON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/21/201
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR PINS RW
SUBJECT: WHEREABOUTS OF GENERAL NKUNDA
REF: IIR 6956007809
Classified By: Ambassador Symington for Reasons 1.4 (b) (d)
1. (C) As of January 28, General Laurent Nkunda continues
to be held by Rwandan security forces in his family's
residence in Gisenyi, according to close associates. He also
has access to a government residence close by. He receives
visits from family members (including a recent delivery of
clothes from his wife),but permission must be sought first.
He has access to cell phones, and his been "briefed" on his
temporary status in Gisenyi by Rwandan authorities. The
Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) apparently control his immediate
security -- Rwandan National Security Services (NSS)
operatives say, "speak to the RDF," when questioned as to his
status and treatment.
2. (C) Despite calls for Nkunda to be turned over to the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),there has been no
formal request. If a request were made, whether or not there
is a valid extradition treaty (a point still under review),
Nkunda would be likely to have an opportunity to mount a
legal challenge.
3. (C) Rwandans and resident Congolese were surprised by
Nkunda's arrest. Many were concerned that his removal from
the Kivus would put in danger those fellow rwandaphones,
living in the Congo, whom Nkunda purported to protect. A few
were openly angry, both in the city and in Congolese
rwandaphone refugee camps in Rwanda.
4. (C) Comment: President Kagame's decision to arrest
Nkunda and cooperate militarily with the DRC has changed the
intellectual landscape for Rwandans. Many doubt that the
partnership with the DRC will prove beneficial over the long
term for fellow rwandaphones in the Congo and Nkunda's
immediate extradition would increase those concerns and,
perhaps, spark anger in the CNDP that might complicate the
ongoing operation. It is likely that Rwanda will hold Nkunda
for the near future as the joint DRC/GOR operation
progresses. Whether Nkunda remains in Rwanda over the long
term, or is turned over to the DRC, or is permitted to move
elsewhere may depend on the joint operation's success. End
Comment.
SYMINGTON