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.

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COMMENT
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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