Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08CONAKRY662
2008-10-31 15:54:00
SECRET
Embassy Conakry
Cable title:
PIVI AND HIS DRUNKEN GANG - BANDITS FOR HIRE
how-toVZCZCXRO0448 PP RUEHPA DE RUEHRY #0662/01 3051554 ZNY SSSSS ZZH P 311554Z OCT 08 FM AMEMBASSY CONAKRY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3104 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RUEABND/DEA WASHDC
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 CONAKRY 000662
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2018
TAGS: PGOV SNAR ASEC GV
SUBJECT: PIVI AND HIS DRUNKEN GANG - BANDITS FOR HIRE
REF: CONAKRY 0290
Classified By: POL/ECON CHIEF SHANNON CAZEAU FOR REASON 1.4 B AND D
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 CONAKRY 000662
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2018
TAGS: PGOV SNAR ASEC GV
SUBJECT: PIVI AND HIS DRUNKEN GANG - BANDITS FOR HIRE
REF: CONAKRY 0290
Classified By: POL/ECON CHIEF SHANNON CAZEAU FOR REASON 1.4 B AND D
1. (S) SUMMARY. According to a civilian living at Camp
Alpha Yaya, Pivi is perpetually drunk, intimidating, and
still popular among many of the rank and file soldiers.
Contact said that Pivi is closely connected to Ousmane Conte,
the president's son, and routinely receives cash from him,
which he in turn distributes around the camp to buy loyalty.
Contact speculated that Pivi may be heading up a gang of
petty criminals, or at least condoning their activities. He
also spoke of corruption, a complete lack of discipline, and
general debauchery among the soldiers at Camp Alpha Yaya.
END SUMMARY.
2. (S) On October 31, Poloff met with Yaya Diallo, a young
marketing professor and frequent visitor to the Embassy's
information resource center. A civilian, Diallo has lived in
Camp Alpha Yaya for the past eight years with his brother,
who is an enlisted soldier. He claims to have many friends
among young rank and file soldiers at Camp Alpha Yaya.
Poloff initially met with Diallo after the May military
mutiny (reftel).
--------------
THE DRUNKEN REVELER
--------------
3. (S) Diallo spoke at length about mutiny leader Claude
Pivi (aka Coplan),who continues to draw significant support
from young rank and file soldiers. According to Diallo, Pivi
is perpetually drunk and is rarely seen without a beer in his
hand, or alcohol stashed somewhere in his vehicle. Diallo
said that Pivi spends most evenings drinking with his
mistress and hanging out at a bar called "Esperanza," which
is located just outside the military camp. He added that
Pivi usually does not come back to the camp until the early
hours of the morning, and that many people hear him coming
back because he is so loud.
4. (S) Citing an example, Diallo said that during Ramadan,
Pivi came into the camp after midnight with his vehicle's
radio blasting music. Pivi reportedly got out of the
vehicle, obviously drunk, and started dancing and joking
around. Diallo said many of the Muslim occupants of the camp
were deeply offended by Pivi's insensitive behavior during
the holy month.
--------------
CONDONING BANDITRY?
--------------
5. (S) Although he did not have concrete proof, Diallo
speculated that Pivi and his gang have been orchestrating a
number of armed robberies throughout the city. He mentioned
that Pivi entered the camp with his car full of electronics
and other items, just a few days after a local business had
been robbed at gunpoint. Diallo said that he did not think
Pivi himself participated in the robbery, but that some of
Pivi's supporters most likely did. He mentioned a similar
case where armed soldiers recently robbed a money exchanger
working outside the airport, reportedly stealing more than 40
million GnF. Diallo was certain that these crimes and others
like them had been committed by soldiers at Camp Alpha Yaya.
6. (S) Diallo noted that Pivi continues to maintain a high
public profile, driving around in a convoy of three SUVs, one
of which was given to him by the president, and another that
he stole from General Baillo Diallo (the former minister of
defense). Diallo added that Pivi's convoy is always full of
armed soldiers.
--------------
THREATS OF MORE TO COME
--------------
7. (S) According to Diallo, Pivi plans to "create more
problems" soon, possibly as early as November 1. Diallo said
that Pivi has been bragging to the soldiers that he is going
to make sure that the bonus they negotiated for during the
mutiny, for which the GoG made the last payment in October,
becomes a permanent addition to basic salaries. Diallo added
that Pivi has repeatedly said that he has no interest in
becoming president himself, but that he would not hesitate to
support his "favored" candidate if the opportunity arises.
Diallo indicated that Pivi could be bought and it was not
clear who his favorite candidate might be.
CONAKRY 00000662 002 OF 003
--------------
OUSMANE'S MAN
--------------
8. (S) However, Diallo said that Pivi is closely connected
to Ousmane Conte, the president's eldest son and notorious
drug kingpin. He added that everyone is scared of Pivi, who
is apparently a rather intimidating personality. Diallo
noted that Pivi seems to have an almost limitless supply of
cash, while many other young soldiers have recently purchased
motorcycles, vehicles, and other high ticket items that they
could not possibly afford on their stated salaries. Diallo
said that the money is coming directly from Ousmane Conte and
narco-trafficking. Pivi has reportedly been generous in
distributing the cash he has been receiving. Diallo said
that Pivi often "struts" around the camp, passing out money
to soldiers and civilians alike. He also noted that one of
Ousmane's closest deputies was suddenly transferred to Camp
Alpha Yaya after the May military mutiny, and now works very
closely with Pivi.
--------------
CORRUPTION, DEBAUCHERY, AND TOTAL DISORDER
--------------
9. (S) According to Diallo, Camp Alpha Yaya operates in an
environment of corruption, general debauchery, and an almost
complete lack of discipline. He said that he had personally
seen a new recruit threaten an officer by holding him up by
the collar of his uniform. On the corruption side, Diallo
said that camp inhabitants, himself included, frequently see
soldiers fuel up large military trucks at the camp's fuel
depot and then drive the trucks to just outside the camp
where the soldiers siphon off the fuel and sell it to the
local roadside vendors. In addition, Diallo said that it was
common knowledge when the military was doing its last
recruitment campaign, that the price of a place on the
recruitment list was 1.5 million GnF ($312). He added that
he had many friends who had purchased spots. With respect to
debauchery, Diallo said that soldiers routinely drink alcohol
to the point of drunkenness, smoke marijuana, and solicit the
young prostitutes who start circulating in the camp as early
as 8:00 in the evening.
--------------
STILL POPULAR
--------------
10. (S) When asked about Pivi's level of support, Diallo
said that Pivi is still very popular, but only within Camp
Alpha Yaya. He noted that there an underlying animosity
between Camp Alpha Yaya and Camp Samory Toure, related to the
unexplained assassination of a military officer (Pamival) in
2000. Diallo said that soldiers from the Forest Region
represent Pivi's largest support group, but that he also has
people from other ethnic groups behind him. At the same
time, Diallo said that ethnocentrism is emerging in the camp,
with groups of Peuhls and Malinkes that generally deal only
with persons of their same ethnic group. He said that the
Soussous intermingle with all the groups.
--------------
LINKS TO THE PRESIDENCY?
--------------
11. (S) Poloff asked whether Diallo knew of any links
between Pivi and current political leaders, specifically
mentioning former Finance Minister Kassory Fofana, Prime
Minister Souare, and Minister Secretary General of the
Presidency Alpha Ibrahima Keira. Diallo said he was certain
that Keira is talking to Pivi and likely working together.
He pointed out that Pivi has visited Keira at the
presidential palace several times since the mutiny. Diallo
added that the minister of defense has also been consulting
with Pivi. He noted that the Presidency generally seems to
be threatened by Pivi, but that certain individuals such as
Keira may not be averse to using Pivi to attain their own
objectives.
12. (S) In conclusion, Diallo said that "Pivi is absolutely
crazy; he can kill anyone, anytime." He then added "Pivi
still has a short future in Guinea, but there is not too much
left." Diallo said that the local population is completely
disgusted with Pivi in particular and the military in general.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
CONAKRY 00000662 003 OF 003
13. (S) Diallo is a new contact and this meeting was only
the second time that Poloff had met with him. His
motivations in sharing information are unclear. The accuracy
of his observations is also unclear, but many of his comments
are consistent with information gathered from other sources.
Embassy has been receiving information that suggests that
Pivi is working with Ousmane Conte and that he may be
threatening another mutiny. However, if the GoG instates a
salary increase on November 1, as sensitive reporting
indicates, Pivi will likely back down from his mutinous
threats. Diallo's comments suggest that Pivi and his bandits
are for hire to the highest bidder, and for now, Ousmane
Conte is reportedly sending a lot of money his way. END
COMMENT.
RASPOLIC
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2018
TAGS: PGOV SNAR ASEC GV
SUBJECT: PIVI AND HIS DRUNKEN GANG - BANDITS FOR HIRE
REF: CONAKRY 0290
Classified By: POL/ECON CHIEF SHANNON CAZEAU FOR REASON 1.4 B AND D
1. (S) SUMMARY. According to a civilian living at Camp
Alpha Yaya, Pivi is perpetually drunk, intimidating, and
still popular among many of the rank and file soldiers.
Contact said that Pivi is closely connected to Ousmane Conte,
the president's son, and routinely receives cash from him,
which he in turn distributes around the camp to buy loyalty.
Contact speculated that Pivi may be heading up a gang of
petty criminals, or at least condoning their activities. He
also spoke of corruption, a complete lack of discipline, and
general debauchery among the soldiers at Camp Alpha Yaya.
END SUMMARY.
2. (S) On October 31, Poloff met with Yaya Diallo, a young
marketing professor and frequent visitor to the Embassy's
information resource center. A civilian, Diallo has lived in
Camp Alpha Yaya for the past eight years with his brother,
who is an enlisted soldier. He claims to have many friends
among young rank and file soldiers at Camp Alpha Yaya.
Poloff initially met with Diallo after the May military
mutiny (reftel).
--------------
THE DRUNKEN REVELER
--------------
3. (S) Diallo spoke at length about mutiny leader Claude
Pivi (aka Coplan),who continues to draw significant support
from young rank and file soldiers. According to Diallo, Pivi
is perpetually drunk and is rarely seen without a beer in his
hand, or alcohol stashed somewhere in his vehicle. Diallo
said that Pivi spends most evenings drinking with his
mistress and hanging out at a bar called "Esperanza," which
is located just outside the military camp. He added that
Pivi usually does not come back to the camp until the early
hours of the morning, and that many people hear him coming
back because he is so loud.
4. (S) Citing an example, Diallo said that during Ramadan,
Pivi came into the camp after midnight with his vehicle's
radio blasting music. Pivi reportedly got out of the
vehicle, obviously drunk, and started dancing and joking
around. Diallo said many of the Muslim occupants of the camp
were deeply offended by Pivi's insensitive behavior during
the holy month.
--------------
CONDONING BANDITRY?
--------------
5. (S) Although he did not have concrete proof, Diallo
speculated that Pivi and his gang have been orchestrating a
number of armed robberies throughout the city. He mentioned
that Pivi entered the camp with his car full of electronics
and other items, just a few days after a local business had
been robbed at gunpoint. Diallo said that he did not think
Pivi himself participated in the robbery, but that some of
Pivi's supporters most likely did. He mentioned a similar
case where armed soldiers recently robbed a money exchanger
working outside the airport, reportedly stealing more than 40
million GnF. Diallo was certain that these crimes and others
like them had been committed by soldiers at Camp Alpha Yaya.
6. (S) Diallo noted that Pivi continues to maintain a high
public profile, driving around in a convoy of three SUVs, one
of which was given to him by the president, and another that
he stole from General Baillo Diallo (the former minister of
defense). Diallo added that Pivi's convoy is always full of
armed soldiers.
--------------
THREATS OF MORE TO COME
--------------
7. (S) According to Diallo, Pivi plans to "create more
problems" soon, possibly as early as November 1. Diallo said
that Pivi has been bragging to the soldiers that he is going
to make sure that the bonus they negotiated for during the
mutiny, for which the GoG made the last payment in October,
becomes a permanent addition to basic salaries. Diallo added
that Pivi has repeatedly said that he has no interest in
becoming president himself, but that he would not hesitate to
support his "favored" candidate if the opportunity arises.
Diallo indicated that Pivi could be bought and it was not
clear who his favorite candidate might be.
CONAKRY 00000662 002 OF 003
--------------
OUSMANE'S MAN
--------------
8. (S) However, Diallo said that Pivi is closely connected
to Ousmane Conte, the president's eldest son and notorious
drug kingpin. He added that everyone is scared of Pivi, who
is apparently a rather intimidating personality. Diallo
noted that Pivi seems to have an almost limitless supply of
cash, while many other young soldiers have recently purchased
motorcycles, vehicles, and other high ticket items that they
could not possibly afford on their stated salaries. Diallo
said that the money is coming directly from Ousmane Conte and
narco-trafficking. Pivi has reportedly been generous in
distributing the cash he has been receiving. Diallo said
that Pivi often "struts" around the camp, passing out money
to soldiers and civilians alike. He also noted that one of
Ousmane's closest deputies was suddenly transferred to Camp
Alpha Yaya after the May military mutiny, and now works very
closely with Pivi.
--------------
CORRUPTION, DEBAUCHERY, AND TOTAL DISORDER
--------------
9. (S) According to Diallo, Camp Alpha Yaya operates in an
environment of corruption, general debauchery, and an almost
complete lack of discipline. He said that he had personally
seen a new recruit threaten an officer by holding him up by
the collar of his uniform. On the corruption side, Diallo
said that camp inhabitants, himself included, frequently see
soldiers fuel up large military trucks at the camp's fuel
depot and then drive the trucks to just outside the camp
where the soldiers siphon off the fuel and sell it to the
local roadside vendors. In addition, Diallo said that it was
common knowledge when the military was doing its last
recruitment campaign, that the price of a place on the
recruitment list was 1.5 million GnF ($312). He added that
he had many friends who had purchased spots. With respect to
debauchery, Diallo said that soldiers routinely drink alcohol
to the point of drunkenness, smoke marijuana, and solicit the
young prostitutes who start circulating in the camp as early
as 8:00 in the evening.
--------------
STILL POPULAR
--------------
10. (S) When asked about Pivi's level of support, Diallo
said that Pivi is still very popular, but only within Camp
Alpha Yaya. He noted that there an underlying animosity
between Camp Alpha Yaya and Camp Samory Toure, related to the
unexplained assassination of a military officer (Pamival) in
2000. Diallo said that soldiers from the Forest Region
represent Pivi's largest support group, but that he also has
people from other ethnic groups behind him. At the same
time, Diallo said that ethnocentrism is emerging in the camp,
with groups of Peuhls and Malinkes that generally deal only
with persons of their same ethnic group. He said that the
Soussous intermingle with all the groups.
--------------
LINKS TO THE PRESIDENCY?
--------------
11. (S) Poloff asked whether Diallo knew of any links
between Pivi and current political leaders, specifically
mentioning former Finance Minister Kassory Fofana, Prime
Minister Souare, and Minister Secretary General of the
Presidency Alpha Ibrahima Keira. Diallo said he was certain
that Keira is talking to Pivi and likely working together.
He pointed out that Pivi has visited Keira at the
presidential palace several times since the mutiny. Diallo
added that the minister of defense has also been consulting
with Pivi. He noted that the Presidency generally seems to
be threatened by Pivi, but that certain individuals such as
Keira may not be averse to using Pivi to attain their own
objectives.
12. (S) In conclusion, Diallo said that "Pivi is absolutely
crazy; he can kill anyone, anytime." He then added "Pivi
still has a short future in Guinea, but there is not too much
left." Diallo said that the local population is completely
disgusted with Pivi in particular and the military in general.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
CONAKRY 00000662 003 OF 003
13. (S) Diallo is a new contact and this meeting was only
the second time that Poloff had met with him. His
motivations in sharing information are unclear. The accuracy
of his observations is also unclear, but many of his comments
are consistent with information gathered from other sources.
Embassy has been receiving information that suggests that
Pivi is working with Ousmane Conte and that he may be
threatening another mutiny. However, if the GoG instates a
salary increase on November 1, as sensitive reporting
indicates, Pivi will likely back down from his mutinous
threats. Diallo's comments suggest that Pivi and his bandits
are for hire to the highest bidder, and for now, Ousmane
Conte is reportedly sending a lot of money his way. END
COMMENT.
RASPOLIC