US embassy cable - 04KINSHASA2143

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINSHASA 002143 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/24/2014 
TAGS: PGOV, CG 
SUBJECT: RUBERWA ENGAGES IN QUIET DIPLOMACY ON BANYAMULENGE 
ISSUE 
 
Classified By: PolCouns MSanderson, reasons 1.4 b/d. 
 
 1. (C)  PolCouns spoke November 20 with Muller Ruhimbika, a 
Banyamulenge leader, and November 22 with Jean-Marie Emungu, 
VP Azarias Ruberwa's chief-of-staff, about Ruberwa's quick 
trip to eastern Congo November 18-20.  Accompanied by General 
Masunzu (who commands Banyamulenge troops fiercely opposed to 
Rwanda), Ruberwa visited Uvira and Minembwe and spoke to the 
Banyamulenge communities there. According to Muller, Ruberwa 
found the Banyamulenge in Minembwe to be in good spirits, but 
cautioned them to treat their non-Banyamulenge (minority) 
neighbors "well and kindly," so that in places like Uvira and 
Bukavu, the Banyamulenge would be treated well by other 
Congolese (the majority).  Emungu said that Ruberwa then 
joined North Kivu Governor Serufuli for a visit to the Masisi 
Plain, where there has consistently been tension in recent 
months among Mai Mai, Interhamwe, displaced Banyamulenge, and 
Congolese military.  Emungu said that Ruberwa urged the 
Banyamulenge to return to South Kivu (most of the 
Banyamulenge IDPs in Masisi fled there in time from areas 
near Bukavu when that city came under attack), and 
specifically suggested that they go to Minembwe, where they 
will be safe. 
 
2. (C)  Comment:  Unhindered by the normal spate of negative 
publicity surrounding any of his attempts to visit eastern 
Congo, Ruberwa seems to have been quietly effective.  Monuc 
Bukavu told PolCouns November 23 there is a movement of 
Banyamulenge IDPs back into South Kivu, although it is not 
clear yet whether their destination might be Minembwe.  The 
sole potential problem with this effort is that it continues 
the trend toward "Banyamulenge-land" within South Kivu, a 
zone protected by Masunzu and his men, which ultimately could 
set up conflict between Masunzu and other FADRC elements.  In 
the meantime, however, Minembwe certainly could be a 
safehaven destination for returning urban Banyamulenge from 
Bukavu and Uvira who find themselves homeless and unwelcome 
in those cities.  Returning, even temporarily, to the High 
Plains could possibly be one way to resolve the current 
pressures by refugees in Cyangagu (Rwanda) who wish to return 
to the DRC but currently are prohibited from doing so, at 
least to Bukavu.  Ruberwa has now begun a European trip 
during which he will visit London, Paris and Brussels and 
will, among other matters, discuss the Banyamulenge situation 
in eastern Congo.  Likewise, Muller and his compatriot Enock 
(a Parliamentarian) will be in the U.S. for a visit, 
beginning with a conference in Maine sponsored by diaspora 
Banyamulenge.  Muller's return from exile in France seems to 
have launched an effort by the Banyamulenge to reach out to 
the international community to explain their situation and 
request assistance. 
MEECE