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