POLITICAL SITUATION TENSE, BUT GENERALLY CALM

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000014 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV ELAB ECON KDEM GV SUBJECT: POLITICAL SITUATION TENSE, BUT GENERALLY CALM REF: CONAKRY 0010 ¶1. (U) While political tensions remain high, business continued much as usual over the weekend. There were isolated demonstrations in a few neighborhoods, but things were generally quiet. Residents were seen in the markets stocking up on basic goods in anticipation of the nationwide strike, scheduled to begin January 10 (reftel). The situation remains relatively calm, despite a few demonstrations in the capital and in the interior on January ¶7. ¶2. (U) International news sources reported that a 32 year old student was killed on January 4 during demonstrations in the capital when a rock hit his head as he was getting out of a taxi. An internet news source reported that the private residence of the new Minister of Communication, Issa Conde, was vandalized by demonstrators on January 5. On Monday, January 7, high school students took to the streets in the Kipe neighborhood of Conakry and burned tires, but the demonstration was quickly and peacefully controlled by security forces. ¶3. (U) According to a news source, some young students in Labe (Middle Guinea) broke windows and otherwise vandalized the regional offices of a local NGO as they called out hostilities aimed at President Conte. Peace Corps reported some civil disturbances in Dalaba (Middle Guinea) and in N,Zerekore (Forest Region) on January 7. ¶4. (U) On the economic front, most businesses remained open. However, prices for basic commodities have begun to rise, following the announcement of the strike planned for January ¶10. Over the previous week, imported rice is up 16 percent per kilo while domestic rice is up 7 percent. Cooking oil is up 4 percent and flour is up 2 percent. While fuel companies maintain that there is plenty of fuel available, people continue to line up at gas stations in order to fill their tanks. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶5. (U) Citizens appear to be preparing for the worst, but do not seem to know exactly what to expect. All eyes are on January 10 as Guineans wait to see if the strike takes place, and if it does, how it will play out. END COMMENT. CARTER