GOG HAS NO CONCRETE PLANS FOR CELEBRATION OF 50TH

C O N F I D E N T I A L CONAKRY 000512 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/09/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC GV SUBJECT: GOG HAS NO CONCRETE PLANS FOR CELEBRATION OF 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE REF: CONAKRY 0446 Classified By: A/DCM SHANNON CAZEAU FOR REASON 1.4 B AND D ¶1. (SBU) During meetings with the diplomatic community, former Prime Minister Kouyate repeatedly underscored the significance of Guinea's celebration of 50 years of independence, which will be officially recognized on October 2, 2008. That same message has continued through with the new administration, but with less than a month to go, it seems that the historic date will pass by with little official fanfare - unless there is a mad scramble dash at the last minute to pull something together. When the Charge asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs about Independence Day celebrations during a meeting on September 5, the minister said "the date is not really that important, this is more of an all-year celebration." ¶2. (C) Colleagues from other diplomatic missions, especially the French and the British, have expressed surprise at the GoG's lack of energy. The British Ambassador told A/DCM that his headquarters has been pressing him for details and a recommendation as to who should attend to represent Britain. "I'm going to tell them not to send anyone because nothing is happening here," he said. Similarly, the French Political Attache told A/DCM that their Embassy has not received any information, but that if and when they do, they will probably send a mid-level official from their ministry in France. He added "I do not understand it; 50 years is normally a historic patriotic celebration, but the Guineans are not doing anything." ¶3. (C) For more than a year, numerous Embassy contacts have been privately expressing disdain for the GoG's plans to host a big 50th anniversary event. Citing everything from unresolved differences dating back to Sekou Toure to an inappropriate use of critical financial resources, citizens have been less than enthusiastic about the country's upcoming independence day. From a wide range of political actors, A/DCM has often heard the comment "we are going to celebrate 50 years of what? We have absolutely nothing to show for 50 years of independence." -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶4. (C) The GoG may not have any money to organize a big celebration as it is already under severe budgetary constraints, and a $1.1 million contribution from Senegal for the anniverary celebration allegedly disappeared at the hands of the former Secretary General of the Presidency (reftel). Despite the rhetoric, senior GoG officials may be hesitant to stage a major celebration because of underlying ethnic tensions related to the legacy of former dictator Sekou Toure as well as overall popular dissatisfaction with governance under the Conte regime. These issues are likely behind Prime Minister Souare's creation of a ministry for national reconciliation. END COMMENT. BROKENSHIRE