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.