IVORIAN PRESIDENTIAL BODYGUARD SEEKS REFUGEE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ACCRA 002082

SIPDIS

FOR REFUGEE AND POLITICAL OFFICERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/19/2014
TAGS: PREF PREL GH
SUBJECT: IVORIAN PRESIDENTIAL BODYGUARD SEEKS REFUGEE
STATUS IN GHANA

Classified By: POLCHIEF SCOTT TICKNOR FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D).


1. (C) Five Ivorian presidential bodyguards have applied
for refugee status in Accra, according to UNHCR sources. The
Ivorians reportedly faced threats within Cote d'Ivoire
because the refused to participate in human rights abuses.


2. (C) According to UNHCR, the highest ranking applicant
for refugee status is Ayehui Richard Kouaho, whose
responsibilities included training the military police in
Abidjan. Kouaho is reportedly well known to the United
Nations Operations in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOIC). He managed to
flee the country with his wife, leaving his children (and
bank account) behind. Despite a request from UNHCR, Ghanaian
authorities have not provided Koaho with police protection,
fearing that such a move would be perceived as supporting the
opposition in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire. Thus, to ensure his
protection, UNHCR has lodged Kouaho in a safe house for the
time being and has asked Geneva for authorization for
emergency resettlement.


3. (C) Accra would appreciate any feedback Abidjan can
provide on Kouaho.
YATES