EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 11

C O N F I D E N T I A L CONAKRY 000244 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/28/2018 TAGS: PGOV PMIL ASEC GV SUBJECT: EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 11 REF: A. CONAKRY 0224 - 0229 ¶B. CONAKRY 0231 - 0233 ¶C. CONAKRY 0236 - 0243 Classified By: POL/ECON CHIEF SHANNON CAZEAU FOR REASON 1.4 B AND D ¶1. (C) Embassy received several reports from different sources of gunfire in the downtown area around 15:00, specifically around the Castro Bridge and the British Ambassador's residence. Sources reported hearing heavier fire, such as from grenades and/or Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs),but no heavy artillery. This was confirmed by the Spanish, British, and Ukrainian Ambassadors who reside in that area. The Lebanese Ambassador told Ambassador Carter that there had been an extended exchange of gunfire around the Hotel Camayenne (halfway to downtown). Other sources reported gunfire exchanges at the Castro Bridge, where both Red Berets (presidential guard) and elements of the mutiny were present. It is unclear as to whether soldiers were firing into the air or at each other. Embassy has received no reports of military or civilian casualties. As of 16:00, RSO confirmed that gunfire had ceased at Castro Bridge. ¶2. (C) The UN Resident Representative confirmed reports of gunfire exchanges and told Ambassador Carter that she had closed the UN offices as of 13:00 and does not plan to open tomorrow. ¶3. (SBU) Army Chief of Staff General Camara, who is believed to be negotiating on behalf of the GoG, made a public statement on the national news network earlier this afternoon, advising soldiers to remain calm and return to their barracks. He reportedly said that the negotiations were proceeding smoothly and that both sides expected to reach an amicable agreement. According to sources, Camara is expected to issue a similar statement later today. ¶4. (C) During a telephone conversation with Ambassador Carter, the Lebanese Ambassador said that there may be a split developing within the mutineers' forces at Camp Alpha Yaya. He cited a highly credible source and said that Soussou elements of the mutiny are being more supportive of the president and could be faltering in their support of the mutiny. ¶5. (SBU) The Embassy expediter and external sources report that the Conakry International Airport remains open. However, much of the airport staff has reportedly gone home for the day. Air Senegal flew in and out around 10:00 while a Malian airline (CAM) flew out at 11:30, and SLOK landed at about the same time. Sources indicate that no other air traffic is expected for the rest of the day. There appear to be no unauthorized security forces at the airport. ¶6. (SBU) The head of the teachers' union (SLECG),Louis M'Bemba Soumah, told POL LES that he and three of his union colleagues had met with Prime Minister Souare this afternoon. They reportedly notified the GoG of their intent to strike effective June 10 if their demands are not addressed. According to Soumah, all of the demands are economic in nature and focus on salaries and allowances. The leaders of the larger Unions-Intersyndicale, Dr. Ibrahima Fofana and Serah Rabiatiou Diallo, are trying to get back to Conakry, but have not been able to do so due to flight cancellations. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶7. (C) Embassy is hearing contradictory information as to what is going on. The GoG continues to pass the message that the negotiations are proceeding smoothly and an amicable agreement is expected. However, there are also intermittent reports of gunfire in the downtown area, coupled with confirmed military movements. It is possible that the negotiations are advancing successfully, but that rogue elements of the mutiny are either uninformed or acting independently. The situation has calmed down once again and there have bee no recent reports of gunfire. END COMMENT. CARTER