Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KINSHASA907
2009-10-02 11:11:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kinshasa
Cable title:
DEATH OF ECONOMY AND TRADE MINISTER FUTA
how-toVZCZCXRO0015 RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN DE RUEHKI #0907 2751111 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 021111Z OCT 09 FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0162 INFO RUCNSAD/SADC COLLECTIVE RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC RUEATRS/DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 0141
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000907
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD PGOV PREL CG
SUBJECT: DEATH OF ECONOMY AND TRADE MINISTER FUTA
UNCLAS KINSHASA 000907
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD PGOV PREL CG
SUBJECT: DEATH OF ECONOMY AND TRADE MINISTER FUTA
1. (U) Minister of Economy and Trade Andre Philippe Futa died in
Paris October 1, 2009 from an apparent heart attack. Futa had
stopped in Paris on route back to Kinshasa after representing
President Kabila at the Africa-South America Summit hosted by
Venezuela. No foul play has been reported, though details on his
death remain limited.
2. (SBU) Note: French DCM told Charge October 1 that the French
embassy here has been in touch with authorities in Paris and there
does not appear to be any indication that Futa's death is the result
of anything other than natural causes. End note.
3. (U) Futa, a Luba from Eastern Kasai who received a doctorate in
the United States, was sixty-six at the time of his death. His
career included over twenty years with the African Development Bank
and a variety of government positions, including several ministerial
postings. Known as a loyal supporter of President Kabila, Futa
served as Coordinator of the AMP (Alliance Presidential Majority)
and Chairman of the Party of National Alliance for Unity (PANU).
4. (SBU) Comment: While Futa was a close contact of ours on trade
issues, particularly AGOA, his death will likely not have a
significant immediate impact on the DRC's economic and political
landscape. Rumors of a cabinet reshuffle continue and it was
unclear if Futa would have retained his position. Despite his
position as Minister of Economy and Trade, his influence on economic
policy was less than those of other ministers responsible for
economic and financial issues, particularly the heads of the
ministries of budget, planning, and finance. His death does,
however, leave President Kabila without a key supporter in the
Kasais provinces as the country moves toward the 2011 elections.
End comment.
BROCK
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON ETRD PGOV PREL CG
SUBJECT: DEATH OF ECONOMY AND TRADE MINISTER FUTA
1. (U) Minister of Economy and Trade Andre Philippe Futa died in
Paris October 1, 2009 from an apparent heart attack. Futa had
stopped in Paris on route back to Kinshasa after representing
President Kabila at the Africa-South America Summit hosted by
Venezuela. No foul play has been reported, though details on his
death remain limited.
2. (SBU) Note: French DCM told Charge October 1 that the French
embassy here has been in touch with authorities in Paris and there
does not appear to be any indication that Futa's death is the result
of anything other than natural causes. End note.
3. (U) Futa, a Luba from Eastern Kasai who received a doctorate in
the United States, was sixty-six at the time of his death. His
career included over twenty years with the African Development Bank
and a variety of government positions, including several ministerial
postings. Known as a loyal supporter of President Kabila, Futa
served as Coordinator of the AMP (Alliance Presidential Majority)
and Chairman of the Party of National Alliance for Unity (PANU).
4. (SBU) Comment: While Futa was a close contact of ours on trade
issues, particularly AGOA, his death will likely not have a
significant immediate impact on the DRC's economic and political
landscape. Rumors of a cabinet reshuffle continue and it was
unclear if Futa would have retained his position. Despite his
position as Minister of Economy and Trade, his influence on economic
policy was less than those of other ministers responsible for
economic and financial issues, particularly the heads of the
ministries of budget, planning, and finance. His death does,
however, leave President Kabila without a key supporter in the
Kasais provinces as the country moves toward the 2011 elections.
End comment.
BROCK