SAO TOME: POST-SCRIPT TO POLICE MUTINY

C O N F I D E N T I A L LIBREVILLE 000477

SIPDIS

KINSHASA FOR BRAZZAVILLE
YAOUNDA FOR MALABO

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/25/2017
TAGS: ASEC PGOV PREL TP
SUBJECT: SAO TOME: POST-SCRIPT TO POLICE MUTINY

REF: A. LIBREVILLE 0450

B. LIBREVILLE 0466

Classified By: Poloff Leslie Doumbia for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


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Summary
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1. (C) In the aftermath of the latest incident involving a
group of mutinous police officers known as the "Ninjas", the
government of Sao Tome released details of an agreement
reached with the group October 18. The agreement disbands
and dismisses the Ninjas. However, it also meets their
questionable demands for back pay and poses no other
penalties. The mutiny, subsequent negotiations, and varied
reactions of government officials highlight the fragile
nature of STP,s fledgling democracy. END SUMMARY.

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Let,s Make a Deal
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2. (C) The GSTP and a group of dissident police officers
known as the "Ninjas" negotiated an agreement after the
second mutiny by the group in as many weeks (reftels). The
Ninjas, who reoccupied the national police headquarters on
October 17, put down their weapons in the early morning hours
of October 18. An agreement was reached only after lengthy
negotiations with the Ninjas and much wrangling within the
GSTP.


3. (U) According to the agreement, the government will pay
back pay that the Ninjas claimed they are owed for a period
of training in Angola and grant amnesty to all involved in
the mutiny. In return, all of the dissident police officers
will be dismissed and put on a type of probation. If they
are ever involved in another mutinous or criminal act, the
agreement asserts, they will be prosecuted.

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Good Cop, Bad Cop?
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4. (C) Some in the government believed that the agreement was
too lenient. On October 18, having just reviewed and
approved the draft agreement, Minister of Defense Oscar Sousa
told CDA and DATT that his forces had been prepared to
&bombard8 the mutineers. He was very reluctant to grant
concessions to the mutineers, Sousa added. However, other
political players, notably the Speaker of the Parliament
Francisco Silva, intervened, negotiated a settlement, and
persuaded the government to accept it.


5. (C) The defense minister's perspective was not shared by
Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos dos Anjos. The Foreign
Minister said that despite the widespread criticism of the
government for granting such concessions to the Ninjas, there
would have been an even greater outcry if any of the Ninjas
had been killed in suppressing their actions. Dos Anjos also
acknowledged that the GSTP had been criticized for granting
concessions to the "Buffalos", a more formidable group of
former mercenaries involved in a coup attempt in 2003.

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COMMENT
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6. (C) At minimum, this incident points to confusion and
weakness within the government of STP. STP is a young but
real democracy facing significant growing pains. These
difficulties are exacerbated by rising prices and bare
government coffers. The government has also demonstrated a
worrisome willingness to negotiate with people who take up
arms to express their grievances. END COMMENT.
HOLT