US embassy cable - 05KINSHASA375

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000375 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR IIP/G/AF TJDOWLING; AF/C; AF/PD DWHITMAN/PEHRNMAN 
PARIS FOR ARS APEAVY/MSAVANET 
BRAZZAVILLE FOR DCM GEORGE INDYKE 
 
E.O.12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO, OIIP, OEXC, SCUL, CG 
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR U.S. SPEAKER TO ADDRESS 
DEMOCRATIZATION AND ELECTIONS 
 
A.  PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  The Speaker will address 
government representatives, members of the civil 
society, NGO representatives, and members of the 
media on the benefits of a democratic society. 
Elections originally scheduled for June 2005 have 
been delayed at least until October 2005.  Holding 
elections in 2005 is a top priority for the Congolese 
government.  Elections are the key element in the 
2003 peace plan aimed at ending a five-year war that 
killed an estimated 3.8 million people. 
 
B.  Time Frame DRC:  Two weeks before June 2005 due to 
summer transfer season.  The program would consist of 
two-day programs in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi and one-day 
programs in Kisangani, Bukavu and Goma. The departure 
flight for the Speaker will depend on his/her 
itinerary. 
 
Time Frame BRAZZAVILE:  It is recommended that 
Brazzaville send speakers to Kinshasa for the two-day 
program. 
 
C.  PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM:  Although the transitional 
government has progressed slowly, the government and 
civil society are working towards elections this year. 
The purpose of this program is to address 
democratization efforts, including elections.  The 
program will demonstrate how a functioning democratic 
society will result in long-term regional stability, 
open markets, economic growth and protection of human 
rights. 
 
D.  AUDIENCE: Government officials, members of the 
civil society, NGO representatives, academics, legal 
personnel, and journalists. 
 
E.  PROPOSED TOPICS AND NATURE OF EVENTS: Post proposes 
programs on the process of democratization leading to 
elections, and the benefits of a democratic society. 
The Speaker should address how the democratic process 
can be implemented in the DRC. 
 
F. TYPE OR NAME OF SPEAKER REQUIRED:  Post would like a 
Speaker who can address the process of democratization 
in a country with a limited infrastructure, and with no 
democratic institutions in place. The Speaker can also 
address how the civil society can take an active part 
in the democratization process.  Post would prefer a 
Speaker who can also discuss the experience of 
democratization in Africa and how that experience might 
apply to the DRC. 
 
G.  LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:  A fluent French speaker is 
preferred.  Post can provide a translator if necessary. 
 
H. REQUESTS FOR SUPPORTING BIBLIOGRAPHIC MATERIALS: 
Updated material on democratization and particularly 
elections which are not available on the Internet would 
be appreciated. 
 
I. NAME OF MISSION PROGRAM OFFICER AND CONTACT 
INFORMATION: 
 
     Mission Program Officer:  A/PAO Victoria DeLong 
     Cell:  243-081-8804928; 
     E-mail:  DeLongV@State.Gov; Fax:  243-884-6592 
 
     Backup Program Officer:  PAO Phillip Wright, Cell: 
     243-081-880-5845; E-mail: WrightPE@State.Gov 
 
     FSN:  John Fumana:  Cell: 880-41769; 
     E-mail: FumanaJS@State.Gov 
 
     Address:    American Embassy 
            Unit 31550 
            APO AE  09828 
 
J. FUNDING SPECIFICS:  Kinshasa requests use of "I" 
Bucks for this Speaker program.  Kinshasa will use 
program funds to cover honorarium and per diem, and 
lodging. 
 
K. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: 1) Post is willing to share 
the speaker with other missions; 2) It is strongly 
recommended that the Speaker receive Washington 
briefings prior to his/her travel to the DRC.  PAS 
Kinshasa will ensure that the Speaker receives security 
and political briefings upon arrival to Kinshasa. 
 
L.  Travel Warning Assurance Statement:  Official U.S. 
Government personnel will meet the grantee at the 
airport; Embassy vehicles and drivers will provide 
secure transportation; Mission staff will escort the 
grantee to all official meetings and appointments. 
 
MEECE