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