Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07CONAKRY1228
2007-11-09 12:46:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Conakry
Cable title:  

CIVIL SOCIETY LEADER PUSHING FOR ELECTIONS AND

Tags:  PGOV SOCI ASEC GV 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO2991
PP RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHRY #1228/01 3131246
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 091246Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1850
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 CONAKRY 001228 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SOCI ASEC GV
SUBJECT: CIVIL SOCIETY LEADER PUSHING FOR ELECTIONS AND
UNITY

REF: 11/02/07 CARTER/MOSS EMAIL

-------
SUMMARY
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 CONAKRY 001228

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SOCI ASEC GV
SUBJECT: CIVIL SOCIETY LEADER PUSHING FOR ELECTIONS AND
UNITY

REF: 11/02/07 CARTER/MOSS EMAIL

--------------
SUMMARY
--------------


1. (SBU) Although contacts report that civil society is
looking to change Guinea,s electoral code before holding
legislative elections, a prominent civil society leader told
poloff that the country needs to focus on elections first and
the electoral code later. Recognizing growing divisions
within and among societal elements, the National Council of
Civil Society Organizations is planning a national seminar in
December in order to bring everyone back to the table,
evaluate the current political situation and define a forward
strategy. END SUMMARY.
--------------
FORGET THE ELECTORAL CODE FOR NOW
--------------


2. (SBU) In a November 7 meeting with poloff, Ben Sekou
Syllah, the President of the Guinean National Council of
Civil Society Organizations (CNOSCG),said that in order to
attain the political transition Guinea is looking for, civil
society needs to focus on successfully realizing
immediate-term goals. Referring to recent comments by some
of his civil society colleagues calling for revisions to
Guinea,s electoral code in order to allow independent
candidature, Syllah said that this is a long-term goal. "We
should go ahead and do our best to organize credible
legislative elections and then change the electoral code
afterwards," he added. According to Syllah, a credible
National Assembly that accurately represents the population
will control the entire government. "Once we have that, we
can focus on changing the electoral code before the 2009
local elections and the 2010 presidential elections," he
said.

--------------
TIME TO REGROUP
--------------


3. (SBU) Acknowledging the emerging political divisions
among civil society organizations, unions, political parties,
youth groups, and others, Syllah said that he is actively
working to try and bring everyone back together. He said
that he is sending groups, composed of civil society, unions,
and the Patronat (see note),into the interior of the country
the week of November 12 in order to encourage solidarity as
well as to prepare for a National Seminar tentatively planned
for December. Reportedly supported by financial

contributions from IFES, the French Cooperation Fund and the
Government of Guinea, Syllah said the National Seminar will
bring together all elements of society, including the
military, in order to evaluate political progress, define a
forward strategy, and clarify the roles various sectors can
take to effect change. Syllah anticipates that approximately
300 participants will travel to Dalaba (Middle Guinea) for
the conference. (NOTE. The Patronat, which is an
organization of business leaders, is currently divided into
two camps. One camp is led by Conte crony Mamadou Syllah and
the other by Yousouff Diallo. Both claim that they are the
legitimate president of the Patronat, which caused the
organizational split. END NOTE).

--------------
MORE GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS NEEDED
--------------


4. (SBU) Turning to elections in general, Syllah said it is
absolutely critical that Kouyate appoint new sub-prefects in
order to further extend his reach and provide greater
assurance of administrative neutrality. Syllah was not
worried about the 8000 plus elected officials at the communal
level that other contacts have said may interfere in election
results. According to Syllah, replacing the sub-prefects is
one step forward ) "the problems with the communal officials
will be addressed in the 2009 (local) elections," he said.

--------------
KOUYATE NOT DELIVERING
--------------


5. (SBU) During a September meeting with poloff, Syllah
expressed frustration with Kouyate,s slow progress towards
implementing the January 27 Accords. Syllah echoed these
same comments and said that while Kouyate has been able to
make some minor improvements such as improved electricity and
provision of street lamps, in reality, these are little
things., According to Syllah, Kouyate needs to focus on
four key objectives: elect a credible National Assembly,

CONAKRY 00001228 002 OF 002


stop corruption, establish a consultative body composed of
civil society and others, and deliver on promises to
investigate and prosecute alleged human rights abuses
committed during the January/February strikes.

--------------
COMMENT
--------------


6. (SBU) Ben Syllah is generally well respected and widely
seen as one of the key civil society leaders although some
contacts say he may be too partisan. He is also one of three
civil society names nominated to serve on the National
Independent Electoral Commission, which has not yet been
ratified by presidential decree. Syllah is clearly focused
on a step-by-step approach for achieving a successful
political transition. He seems to have a big-picture concept
of what needs to happen and he is not relying exclusively on
the consensus government to get it done. Syllah seems to see
Kouyate as one element of a much broader push for change,
which includes free and fair elections (legislative, local,
and executive),participation by all levels of society, and
targeted efforts to reduce corruption. If Syllah can
successfully organize his National Seminar as planned, he may
be able to get everyone refocused and define a clear strategy
for achieving the political change Guineans are looking for.
At the same time, he risks further dividing society if the
various groups are unable to define a common vision. Ben
Syllah may be just the individual to bring everyone together
and get them refocused on what they want to achieve and how
to do it. Embassy will examine if direct support to the
conference would be appropriate given discussion in ref
email. END COMMENT.

CARTER