PM MAY TAKE A HIT WITH NEW PRESIDENTIAL DECREE

C O N F I D E N T I A L CONAKRY 000447 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/19/2018 TAGS: PGOV KDEM ASEC GV SUBJECT: PM MAY TAKE A HIT WITH NEW PRESIDENTIAL DECREE Classified By: A/DCM SHANNON CAZEAU FOR REASON 1.4 B AND D ¶1. (U) On August 19, an internet news source (Guinee24.com) posted a scanned copy of a presidential decree dated August ¶12. In the decree, the president criticizes the falsification of recent decrees and the misuse of presidential authority. As such, President Conte specifies that all presidential documents and decisions must pass through the new Secretary General of the President, Alpha Ibrahima Keira. Conte further stipulates that Keira is the sole government official authorized to use the presidential seal. ¶2. (U) With respect to the prime minister, Conte states that the PM is authorized to submit items for signature, but that he must work closely with the Secretary General of the Presidency. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶3. (C) With the recent "false" decrees, it is as yet unclear whether this one is legitimate or not. However, if it is, it will likely enhance Keira's authority and power while weakening that of the PM. A contact at the PM's office said that the PM is aware of the decree and sees it as another effort to bring Conte cronies closer to power at the expense of the PM. END COMMENT. BROKENSHIRE