DEMONSTRATION FOR SUPPORT AGAINST POVERTY IN AFRICA

UNCLAS MAPUTO 000833 SIPDIS STATE FOR DS/IP/AF; DS/CC; DS/DSS/ITA; AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC MZ SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION FOR SUPPORT AGAINST POVERTY IN AFRICA ¶1. A demonstration was held in downtown Maputo on Saturday, July 2, 2005 to show support for efforts to fights poverty in Africa. ¶2. On Thursday, June 30, 2005, an unidentified man was interviewed on STV, a local television station. The man stated he was organizing a demonstration to be held at the U.S. Embassy on either July 1 or July 12. The purpose of the demonstration was to ask the U.S. to increase aid spent on the war against poverty in Africa. Contact with the local police revealed no demonstration permits applied for by anyone for any purpose. ¶3. On Friday, July 1, 2005, at approximately 1500, the police notified the RSO FSNI that a permit had been granted for a march and demonstration to be held at 0800, Saturday, July 2 for the purposes stated in paragraph 2. The march was to start at a downtown square and end at the Embassy. RSO contacted the Diplomatic Police for extra police coverage, the local guard company for additional guards at the embassy, and the British and Canadian High Commissions in case the march was related to the Live Aid concert to be given in London on the same day. In addition, the cascade system was put into effect to notify all Mission employees of the potential route, times, and purpose of the march and demonstration and to advise of security measures to be taken. ¶4. At 0830, Saturday, July 2, extra police arrived at the U.S. Embassy. At 0930, seven (7) demonstrators gathered at Worker's Square near the railway station in downtown Maputo, approximately 3 miles from the U.S. Embassy. The demonstrators were attempting to gather support for their cause before marching to the U.S. Embassy. Twenty (2) police were at the scene. At 1130, no demonstrators remained and all police were dismissed. The marchers never left the square. ¶5. Police will notify the RSO immediately if anyone applies for another permit for a demonstration and/or march against the U.S.Embassy. Dudley