ANTI-U.S. DEMONSTRATION IN ABUJA

UNCLAS ABUJA 001171 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR DS/OP/AF, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/PSP/FPD, AF/W, AF/EX LAGOS FOR RSO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC ALOW SUBJECT: ANTI-U.S. DEMONSTRATION IN ABUJA ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On 12 April 2002, a peaceful anti-American demonstration took place in Abuja following Friday afternoon Jumaat prayers. A group of approximately 1,000 - 2,000 protestors marched throughout central Abuja waiving placards and banners that denounced U.S. support for Israel. The demonstration culminated at the Federal Secretariat, located approximately 4km from SIPDIS the Embassy, with the burning of a U.S. flag. There were no injuries or property damage reported. End Summary ¶2. (SBUU) Details: At approximately 1515 hours on Friday, April 12, 2002, a group of approximately 1,000 - 2000 worshipers was observed exiting the Abuja Central Mosque waiving placards and banners that denounced U.S. support for Israel. One of the largest banners read "Death to Bush". Flyers were also distributed in Hausa that denounced U.S. support for Israel and called for the Muslim community to condemn this support. ¶3. (SBU) Local police and Post's SD team reported that the demonstrators marched from the Abuja Central Mosque past the Sheraton hotel and culminated their procession at a soccer field behind the Federal Secretariat where a brief speech was made by one of the organizers and an American flag burned. The demonstration ended at approximately 1645 hours. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Immediately after initial notification of the demonstration, the DCM convened Post's Emergency Action Committee (EAC). Since the demonstration was observed moving in the general direction of the Embassy and there were reports of a vanguard headed toward our facilities, Section 1000 of Post's EAP was invoked. We do not believe any demonstrator came within less than 3km of the Embassy. The demonstration eventually concluded about 4km away. There were no injuries or property damage reported. An advisory warden message was also sent to American citizens. Andrews