Some of you have probably read in the media that Foreign Minister Gahr Støre have been at the UN-meeting in New York where he met his Congolese colleague. Foreign Minister Thambwe promised again that the two imprisoned Norwegians will be transferred to a prison in Kinshasa. It’s the same promise he gave Støre same time last year. The same promises have been given time and time again since December 2009. So it’s a little strange that Foreign Minister Thambwe uses the so called escape attempt as an excuse to why the transfer hasn’t happened yet.
Foreign Minister Thambwe also confirmed that he has received a letter signed by both Foreign Minister Støre and Foreign Minister William Hague from Great Britain. This is a letter that Norwegian and British authorities have done together. If Hague’s signature will strengthen the case for the two in Kisangani is another question. Thambwe also said that the central authorities have instructed the province authorities to provide for the transfer to the capital. We’ve heard this many times before as well.What also came up in the meeting between Støre and Thambwe was that the process attached to an eventual transfer to Norway will not be considered until after the election. First is the election for a new president in November 2011, and after that the local election and the election for senate in the spring of 2012. That means that an eventual transfer to Norway can be well out in the year 2012.
The embassy has informed us that for three weeks ago minister Endresen was informed that every permit for a transfer was given and that the only thing left was administrative issues was the reason the transfer hasn’t happened yet. The transfer was decided and the Justice Department worked with the military justice authorities (Justice Militaire) who are in charge of the organization of the transfer. It will be by plane if it happens. Now, all that’s left is to see if a transfer is soon or not.
Kari Hilde French, October 2nd 2011
