CONAKRY DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE INTO THE EARLY

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000668 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV GV SUBJECT: CONAKRY DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE INTO THE EARLY EVENING ¶1. (SBU) Random, spontaneous demonstrations continued throughout the day in Conakry, effectively shutting down major traffic intersections. There have been occasional reports of security forces firing into the air, but no indications that security forces are firing directly at crowds. As of 1630, Embassy was still receiving reports of unrest in various parts of the city. ¶2. (SBU) Around 1330, approximately 250 to 300 youths were marching in protest between Bambeto Circle and Kipe, passing directly in front of the Embassy. Police responded to the scene, effectively forcing the crowd to divert to a dirt road behind the Embassy. A/RSO witnessed a MAMBA police officer (police special unit) flogging one of the demonstrators. Police forces sporadically fired into the air, and the demonstrators eventually dispersed. ¶3. (SBU) At one point, the RSO invited the small contingent of gendarmes, who are assigned by the GoG to guard the Embassy, to enter the Embassy compound since it was more secure. One of the gendarmes refused and was cheering on the protestors from the sidelines. ¶4. (SBU) Bambeto traffic circle, which is located just up the hill from the Embassy, has been volatile throughout the day. At approximately 1400, protestors detained the French DATT, who was driving in a vehicle with diplomatic plates. He reportedly descended from his vehicle and gave up the cash he was carrying. He was then allowed to get back in his vehicle and leave the area. The French DATT told Embassy DATT that several uniformed security officers were present, but that they did not intervene. ¶5. (SBU) A youth leader told DATT that one youth leader had been killed during the day, and five injured. Contact had personally seen the body. ¶6. (SBU) RSO spoke briefly with the new Minister of Security earlier this afternoon. The Minister said that "things will get better," but did not seem to have any specific ideas about how to resolve the security situation. With respect to the fuel price issue, the Minister said that the GoG does not intend to reduce the price any further, and that the labor unions initially agreed to the current 5,500 GnF price level. However, he added that a union representative planned to go on the radio later this evening demanding further price reductions. ¶7. (SBU) The labor unions were unable to meet during the day due to transportation issues and the general unrest. ¶8. (SBU) Airport contacts report that the airport remains open and that no flights have been canceled. They noted that the airlines are watching the situation closely. (NOTE. Air France is scheduled to fly into Conakry tonight at 20:10. END NOTE). ¶9. (SBU) The Embassy's military liaison officer has been downtown at Camp Samory Toure all day. He reported that the roads just beyond the Ministry of Defense are blocked, and that there is significant protest activity in the downtown area. Contact said that the soldiers are staying in the camps, although DATT saw a small contingent of Red Berets (presidential guards) on route to Bambeto Circle around 15:00. The gendarmes have been deployed to various locations, but are generally deferring to the police for crowd control. According to contact, the Ministry of Defense is trying to organize transportation to get people home, rather than maintaining a contingency force on the bases. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶10. (SBU) Although security forces have been out dispersing crowds, the protestors generally wait, regroup, and then resume protest activity elsewhere. There have not been any reports of widespread lawlessness such as vandalism or looting. Embassy convened an EAC at 15:30 (reported septel) and will continue to monitor the situation. END COMMENT. RASPOLIC