COTE D'IVOIRE: SITUATION REPORT: YOUNG PATRIOTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABIDJAN 000782 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2016 TAGS: PGOV ASEC CASC IV SUBJECT: COTE D'IVOIRE: SITUATION REPORT: YOUNG PATRIOTS PARALYZE ABIDJAN WITH ROADBLOCKS REF: ABIDJAN 778 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (C) Beginning early this morning at about 0600 local, Young Patriot militias erected a series of roadblocks at main road and intersections throughout Abidjan to protest the mobile identification teams launched by Prime Minister Banny. The roadblocks, which increased in size and number throughout the morning, effectively paralyzed the city, as many businesses and schools closed and vehicular traffic has been minimal. There have been no reports of violence and pedestrians have been allowed to proceed without harassment. However, all vehicles are stopped at roadblocks and occupants questioned before they are permitted to pass. As usual, the Ivoirian Defense and Security Forces have failed to intervene. ¶2. (C) As of early afternoon, RSO observed that the number of roadblocks has continued to increase in the areas of Bietry and Marcory in the direction of the airport and in Yopougon. The airport is open, but access to and from it is limited. On the other hand, in the neighborhoods of Riviera (where the Embassy is located) and Cocody, a number of roadblocks have now been abandoned. As of early afternoon, French Embassy estimated some 40 roadblocks remained in place throughout the city. ¶3. (SBU) Embassy remains open with a skeleton staff but has advised other employees to stay at home until further notice. A similar message was sent to private Amcit community in Abidjan. Consular section is closed to the public except for emergency services. ¶4. (C) There have been reports that Young Patriots were planning to march on the Prime Minister's private residence in protest but we have been unable to confirm these. ¶5. (C) The management of Ivoirian television, RTI, told us this morning they were staying home but reported that there had been no massing of Patriots or other protesters in front of the station. RTI has frequently been a magnet for protesters in the past. ¶6. (C) ONUCI SRSG Schori is consulting with members of the International Working Group (IWG0 to determine whether the next scheduled IWG meeting will still take place tomorrow, July 20. ¶7. (SBU) We have just received a report that at 1300 a violent confrontation, including stonethrowing, occurred in the Abobo district of Abidjan, between a group of Young Patriots and opposition RDR party supporters. According to eyewitnesses, some 300 people were involved. The confrontation was broken up by security forces (CECOS) after about one hour.