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.

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