DAKAR: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING ON ELECTION

UNCLAS DAKAR 000410 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR DS, S/CT, P, M, INR, CA, AF/EX AND AF/W STATE ALSO FOR DS/IP/AF, DRL/AE AND AF/PDPA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV CASC PHUM PINS SG SUBJECT: DAKAR: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING ON ELECTION VIOLENCE REF: A. STATE 021684 ¶B. Dakar 0375 ¶C. Dakar 0265 ¶D. Dakar 0232 ¶E. 06 Dakar 2964 ¶F. 06 Dakar 2854 ¶1. (U) The Ambassador convened the EAC on February 22, 2007, to review our security posture in light of election violence that broke out on the evening of February 21, 2007. ¶2. (U) According to a variety of sources, supporters of President Abdoulaye Wade clashed with supporters of opposition candidate Idrissa Seck in the Fenetre-Mermoz neighborhood at approximately 2000 hrs. A number of persons were injured, vehicles destroyed, and a popular local restaurant ransacked. Two embassy employees were eating in the restaurant at the time of the clash, and the restaurant is within a mile of approximately 20 embassy residences. The two embassy personnel escaped the scene without injury. ¶3. (U) While post conducted a number of pre-election security preparations (see refs),the consensus of the EAC is that potential for continued political violence remains high through the remainder of the campaign period, election day on Sunday, February 25, and throughout the next week when results are expected to be announced. The consensus of the EAC was that the potential for violent political clashes is particularly high in the afternoon following mid-day prayer. ¶4. (U) The consensus of the EAC was that the following additional precautions should be taken to limit the exposure of embassy personnel random acts of political violence: (a) Cancel the evening public film program at the Mbacke Annex for February 22 and 23; (b) Postpone a CLO-organized excursion outside the city that was scheduled for Saturday, February 24; (c) Require all embassy personnel to monitor their radios when traveling outside their residences to ensure they remain updated regarding the local security situation; and (d) Recommend that employees and families limit un-necessary travel outside their residences after 14:00. ¶5. (U) The EAC recommended language for a public announcement to be issued by the Department. CA cleared the language which has been distributed as a warden message, pending issuance of a public announcement. ¶6. (SBU) The Embassy issued the following press release, which has received extensive, favorable coverage in local media as well as a strong negative reaction from the GOS (Septel). BEGIN TEXT. The U.S. Embassy condemns recent election violence in Senegal. The Embassy deeply regrets last night's election-related violence, which caused serious injury to persons and property and posed a significant threat to Dakar residents, including Americans. We call upon all parties to respect the safety and right of passage of all citizens and to ensure a peaceful election process in Senegal. END TEXT. ¶7. (U) Dakar's EAC will continue to monitor the local situation, maintain liaison with host-government police and security officials, and reconvene as appropriate. At present, plans to deploy 14 embassy sponsored election observer teams on Sunday, February 25, remain in place. RSO will conduct a special security briefing will all teams prior to their departure. JACOBS