EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 9

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000240 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PMIL ASEC GV SUBJECT: EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 9 REF: A. CONAKRY 0224 - 0228 ¶B. CONAKRY 0231 - 0233 ¶C. CONAKRY 0236 ¶1. (SBU) Conakry remains relatively calm. There were reports of intermittent gunfire into the evening, but a gusty thunder and lightning storm around midnight muted any further activities. Several Embassy contacts reported that mutineers were going through the city last night looking for senior military officials. Red Berets, also known as the presidential guard, set up a military roadblock on the Castro Bridge, which controls access to the downtown area, and were reportedly inspecting vehicles. The roadblock was still operating at 05:30 on May 29, but soldiers had already started dismantling it by 07:00. There have been no reports of violence at the roadblock. ¶2. (SBU) Traffic in the capital remains light and the gas stations are still closed, with cars lined up outside. Heavy debris from last night's rainstorm has left natural roadblocks on many of the city's main streets. Cell phones continue to work, although there are periods of network overload. The electrical supply is slightly more erratic than usual, but the capital continues to have power. ¶3. (SBU) The local press reports that the mutineers took Admiral Ali Daffe (Guinean Navy) into custody yesterday evening, but this report has not been confirmed. However, sources report that Admiral Daffe's house was burned and looted yesterday. Another Embassy source reported that Colonel Faciriman Traore, Deputy Chief of the Navy, had also been taken into custody by the mutineers. ¶4. (SBU) Embassy received reports from the UN that soldiers in Faranah (Upper Guinea) were shooting into the air around 11:00 on May 28, and were reportedly looking for the local General. Another source reported that when driving through Faranah yesterday, he had to pass through a military roadblock where soldiers were asking travelers for money. ¶5. (SBU) At about 17:45 on May 28, a group of students were protesting on Donka Road, near the Ambassador's residence. According to reports, they were waiting for transportation to go home. Apparently frustrated, they began throwing rocks at passing vehicles. The police quickly arrived at the scene and peacefully dispersed the crowd. ¶6. (SBU) The prime minister did not make a statement on national news yesterday evening, as expected. CARTER