Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08CONAKRY711
2008-11-19 14:00:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Conakry
Cable title:
PROTESTS AGAINST LOCAL MINING COMPANY IN KOUROUSSA
how-toVZCZCXRO4772 PP RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHRY #0711 3241400 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 191400Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY CONAKRY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3164 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
UNCLAS CONAKRY 000711
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EMIN ELAB ASEC ECON PGOV GV
SUBJECT: PROTESTS AGAINST LOCAL MINING COMPANY IN KOUROUSSA
REF: A. CONAKRY 0480
B. CONAKRY 0599
C. CONAKRY 0664
D. CONAKRY 0698
UNCLAS CONAKRY 000711
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EMIN ELAB ASEC ECON PGOV GV
SUBJECT: PROTESTS AGAINST LOCAL MINING COMPANY IN KOUROUSSA
REF: A. CONAKRY 0480
B. CONAKRY 0599
C. CONAKRY 0664
D. CONAKRY 0698
1. (U) Two days of protests in Kouroussa (Upper Guinea) have
forced the local gold mining company, SEMAFO, to temporarily
call a halt to daily operations. Kouroussa is located
approximately eight hours north of Conakry. The protests
follow on similar demonstrations in Siguiri last week, and in
the Boke and Kindia regions over the past few months
(reftels). SEMAFO is a Canadian/Moroccan joint venture.
2. (SBU) According to contacts, local youths have been
protesting the company's firing of several employees who had
staged labor strikes a few weeks ago. It is unclear whether
the employees were unionized, but the youths are reportedly
arguing that the company did not respect the employees' legal
rights. The protestors erected barricades on the main roads
leading to the mine, demanding that SEMAFO reinstate the
dismissed employees.
3. (SBU) A company representative told Pol LES on November
19 that the protest continues and that the mine remains
closed. He said that village women have joined the protest,
demanding that the company offer employment to their spouses
and children. Contact said that local government authorities
have been participating in company mediations with the
protestors, but that they have been unable to come to any
agreement. Efforts to educate local villagers about the
company's hiring practices and requirements for employment
have been unsuccessful.
4. (SBU) Security forces have responded to maintain order
and protect public and private property. There have been no
reports of casualties.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
5. (SBU) Civil disturbances around major mining enterprises
seem to becoming increasingly routine. Frustrated by poverty
and the general lack of economic opportunity, local
populations appear to be channeling their anger towards
investors who may or may not have invested in the local
communities. These situations tend to calm down after a few
days, usually with government intervention, but not without
considerable economic cost to investors. There have also
been reports of casualties during previous incidents.
Business contacts are taking notice and have expressed
concern about the increased level of protest activity. END
COMMENT.
RASPOLIC
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EMIN ELAB ASEC ECON PGOV GV
SUBJECT: PROTESTS AGAINST LOCAL MINING COMPANY IN KOUROUSSA
REF: A. CONAKRY 0480
B. CONAKRY 0599
C. CONAKRY 0664
D. CONAKRY 0698
1. (U) Two days of protests in Kouroussa (Upper Guinea) have
forced the local gold mining company, SEMAFO, to temporarily
call a halt to daily operations. Kouroussa is located
approximately eight hours north of Conakry. The protests
follow on similar demonstrations in Siguiri last week, and in
the Boke and Kindia regions over the past few months
(reftels). SEMAFO is a Canadian/Moroccan joint venture.
2. (SBU) According to contacts, local youths have been
protesting the company's firing of several employees who had
staged labor strikes a few weeks ago. It is unclear whether
the employees were unionized, but the youths are reportedly
arguing that the company did not respect the employees' legal
rights. The protestors erected barricades on the main roads
leading to the mine, demanding that SEMAFO reinstate the
dismissed employees.
3. (SBU) A company representative told Pol LES on November
19 that the protest continues and that the mine remains
closed. He said that village women have joined the protest,
demanding that the company offer employment to their spouses
and children. Contact said that local government authorities
have been participating in company mediations with the
protestors, but that they have been unable to come to any
agreement. Efforts to educate local villagers about the
company's hiring practices and requirements for employment
have been unsuccessful.
4. (SBU) Security forces have responded to maintain order
and protect public and private property. There have been no
reports of casualties.
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
5. (SBU) Civil disturbances around major mining enterprises
seem to becoming increasingly routine. Frustrated by poverty
and the general lack of economic opportunity, local
populations appear to be channeling their anger towards
investors who may or may not have invested in the local
communities. These situations tend to calm down after a few
days, usually with government intervention, but not without
considerable economic cost to investors. There have also
been reports of casualties during previous incidents.
Business contacts are taking notice and have expressed
concern about the increased level of protest activity. END
COMMENT.
RASPOLIC