CNDP ENTERS NORTH KIVU PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000158 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PREF CG SUBJECT: CNDP ENTERS NORTH KIVU PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ¶1. (SBU) Local radio in Goma announced on February 15 that there had been a shake-up of the North Kivu provincial cabinet. Most significantly, the CNDP received several ministerial positions in the government. In addition, several new or restructured ministries seemingly reflect the CNDP leadership's philosophy. ¶2. (SBU) The document announcing the changes justified them with an interesting formulation: "In view of the imperious necessity to consolidate the work of the provincial government and in order to respond to the challenges of stabilization and development in North Kivu province..." While the Provincial Assembly must still approve the new cabinet, the "imperious necessity" clause is a marker that should clear the way for the changes. ¶3. (U) Following is the new North Kivu provincial cabinet: -- Territorial Administration and Security: Khindo Muthethe Mundenga (Nande, formerly Minister of Social Affairs). Note: This ministry was previously known as Interior, Security & Justice. -- Public Works, Infrastructure, Land Tenure, Transport and Communications: Kitsa Mahali (CNDP affiliate, ethnicity not yet confirmed). -- Plan, Budget, Information, Press: Juma Balikshwa (from Walikale, perhaps Tembo, formerly at Mines). -- Agriculture, Rural Development and Small/Medium Business: Batahahi Bushoki (Hunde from a prominent family, formerly at Public Works). -- Education, Welfare and Provincial Public Service: Kaseraka Kalwaghe (Nande, formerly at Interior). -- Administration of Justice, Human Rights and Community Resettlement: Tuyihimbaze Rucogoza (CNDP affiliate and Tutsi). Note: This is a new ministry, and the fact that the resettlement (of refugees and those displaced) portfolio is going to the CNDP is highly significant. -- Finance, Economy, Trade and Public Enterprises: Kabanda Kayobotsi (Tutsi, formerly at Plan, and was the senior Tutsi in the previous cabinet). -- Health, Social Affairs, Gender and Children's Affairs: Dr. Mbalutwirandi Kinywa (Hutu, carried over from the previous cabinet). -- Mines, Petroleum and Energy: Ndabereye Senzige (Hutu from Jomba area in Rutshuru). -- Environment, Tourism, Youth, Arts & Culture, Sports and Leisure: Mrs. Rugenera Kambibi (Hutu from Masisi). ¶4. (SBU) Comment: This move seems to respond directly to the demands of the new CNDP leadership, and controlling both the land tenure and resettlement portfolios will suit them well. If the Assembly does approve the appointment of CNDP ministers, it will be a telling demonstration of the quick transformation of power dynamics in the province, given that the Assembly recently expelled its own CNDP members for treason. End comment. GARVELINK