GUINEA BISSAU: UNODC REQUESTS COUNTER-NARCOTICS

C O N F I D E N T I A L DAKAR 000381

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INL/AAE, AF/W, AF/RSA, AND IO/T
ACCRA FOR USAID/WA
LAGOS FOR DEA - GAYE AND ALEXANDER
PARIS FOR POL - D'ELIA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2017
TAGS: SNAR AORC PU
SUBJECT: GUINEA BISSAU: UNODC REQUESTS COUNTER-NARCOTICS
POSITION

REF: A. DAKAR 124

B. 06 DAKAR 2801

C. 06 DAKAR 2818

D. 06 DAKAR 2609

Classified By: Ambassador Janice L. Jacobs for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

SUMMARY
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1. (U) This is an action request. The United Nations Office
of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has requested USG assistance in
staffing a police attache position for counter-narcotics
reporting in Bissau. Post believes outside support on drugs
is urgently needed before the GOGB's path to narco-state
status is irreversible. END SUMMARY.

THE REQUEST
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2. (U) Antonio Mazitelli, Regional Representative of the
UNODC, requested U.S. assistance in staffing a position in
Bissau to uncover information and report on narcotics
trafficking. Post has repored the growing problem of
narcotics trafficking hrough Guinea-Bissau (see reftels) and
its growig prominence as a preferred route due to poor
sureillance and enforcement capability and the easycorruptibility of officials.


3. (U) UNODC has cordinated this request with Representative
of the Secretary General (RSG) Shola Omoregie in Bissau.
They expressed concern about the significant lack of
information concerning all aspects of trafficking in Bissau
including organizations involved, leaders, locations of
storage and processing facilities, routes, and corrupted
officials. They believe a police attache with experience in
counternarcotics issues stationed in Bissau under UN auspices
is the first step to providing necessary information. UNODC
does not have the budget to staff the position, but the UN
office for Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) would supply office space
and other support.


4. (U) Mazitelli also pointed out that continuing to ignore
the problem in Guinea-Bissau could undermine U.S.
counternarcotics efforts in South America, the primary source
for cocaine moving through West Africa. He said this will
also send an important signal not only to traffickers, but
also to the Government of Guinea-Bissau that the
international community is concerned and taking action.

COMMENT
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5. (C) Post agrees this could be a useful step toward
confronting traffickers and requests the Department consider
providing a civilian police officer or making an earmarked
contribution to UNODC for an initial duration of six months
to one year. Those in the GOGB, police, and military who are
committed to fighting drug trafficking need support from
outside because drug-related corruption already appears to be
entrenched at the highest levels. Those who have displayed a
willingness and capability in the past to make drug arrests
have been effectively put out of action due to credible death
threats. END SUMMARY.
JACOBS