RESOLUTION OF MILITARY MUTINY STILL NOT CLEAR

C O N F I D E N T I A L CONAKRY 000285 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/10/2018 TAGS: PGOV PMIL ASEC PREL GV SUBJECT: RESOLUTION OF MILITARY MUTINY STILL NOT CLEAR Classified By: POL/ECON CHIEF SHANNON CAZEAU FOR REASON 1.4 B AND D ¶1. (C) The self-identified leader of the military mutiny that began on May 23, Claude Pivi "Coplan," continues to represent the interests of the mutineers based at Camp Alpha Yaya in Conakry. President Conte was supposed to have met with him on Friday, June 6, but did not show up because he was not feeling well. General Diarra Camara came in his stead, but quickly left the camp after reportedly being insulted by Coplan and fellow mutineers. President Conte promised across the board promotions to the mutineers, which were expected as early as June 2. As of June 10, the promotions had not yet materialized. ¶2. (C) Talks resumed on Monday, June 9 when Prime Minister Souare, President Conte, and General Diarra reportedly met and agreed on a "solution" to the mutiny. Pol LES visited Camp Samory Toure around 14:00 on June 9 and was told that Coplan had just been there to meet with General Diarra about the promised promotions. Sources were unable to tell whether Coplan had been informed of and accepted the "solution." Sources also could not provide details as to what the "solution" entails, but speculate that it involves resolution of the promotion issue. The GoG may make an announcement later this evening as to what has been decided. In the meantime, the camps remain quiet, and the city appears to be operating as normal. (COMMENT. Other reporting indicates that the mutineers may not be willing to accept the offered solution. END COMMENT). ¶3. (SBU) A senior official at the Ministry of Finance told Econ LES on June 9 that the GoG made the initial payment of 1 million GnF per soldier on May 30 by using assistance funds provided by France. Source said that France had given the GoG 1 million Euros through COFACE, a French Insurance Guarantee and Risk Management Firm. Source said that the GoG is planning to pay the rest of the money to the soldiers by restricting government expenditures in "non-priority sectors." As an example, he said that the GoG is already restricting official travel. Source indicated that part of the funds will also come from a 2008 supplementary budget. ¶4. (C) COMMENT. A contact at the French Embassy was not aware that the payment may have come from French assistance funds. He said that France did not provide money directly to the Guinean Government, but had provided some debt relief. Contact said the French Embassy would be looking into the issue. END COMMENT. CARTER