CIVILIAN PERSPECTIVE ON GUINEAN COUP D'ETAT

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 CONAKRY 000789

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/23/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM ASEC GV
SUBJECT: CIVILIAN PERSPECTIVE ON GUINEAN COUP D'ETAT

REF: CONAKRY 0787

Classified By: POL/ECON CHIEF SHANNON CAZEAU FOR REASON 1.4 B AND D


1. (S) SUMMARY. The military coup launched by members of
the 19th promotion continues to evolve relatively peacefully.
Various civilian representatives reportedly went to Camp
Alpha Yaya to begin negotiating the details of the
anticipated transitional council. Civilian contacts seem to
be quietly criticizing the coup, but waiting to see how
things develop before taking any action. Conakry remains
calm with no reports of casualties. END SUMMARY.


2. (S) Members of the 19th promotion continue to carry out a
coup plot they launched early this morning after the Guinean
Government announced President Conte's death (reftel).
Embassy sources report that civilian leaders, including
unnamed representatives from the labor unions, youth groups,
and local businesses, went to Camp Alpha Yaya this morning to
begin negotiating with coup leaders regarding the composition
of the transitional council, now called the National Council
for Democracy and Development (CNDD).


3. (S) Econ LES spoke with two prominent youth leaders,
Mouctar Diallo (head of a new youth political party) and
Dansa Kourouma (head of an NGO),this morning. Emphasizing
that he was speaking for himself and not for his
organization, Diallo said that he did not support a military
takeover of the government. Kourouma said that civil society
leaders planned to meet soon in order to draft a public
declaration. Speaking "off the record," Kourouma said that
he would not support Sompare as the constitutional successor
to the president, pointing out that his political mandate has
expired. Kourouma added that he supports the departure of
the old guard in order to make way for "new faces and new
leadership." (COMMENT. Both of these youth leaders were
implicated in a failed September youth movement that planned
to force the president's resignation. END COMMENT).


4. (SBU) Brief telephone conversations with opposition
political party leaders suggest that they are observing
events before deciding on a course of action. Jean Marie
Dore, head of the UPG (Union for Guinean Progress) told Pol
LES that he had been expecting a coup, but was surprised by
the speed in which it took place. Dore added that he does
not currently have an official reaction, and is observing the
situation. Dr. Diane, Secretary General of the RPG (Rally
for the Guinean People),essentially said the same thing.
Sidya Toure, leader of the UPR (Union for Progress and
Renewal) said that he is observing the situation, but that "a
coup d'etat was not the answer."


5. (SBU) Both Charge and DCM have been in contact with
various diplomatic missions, including the embassies of
Brazil, France, Spain, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
Diplomats also seem to be adopting a wait and see approach.
No one is currently considering evacuation of personnel or
dependents.


6. (S) An Embassy contact reported that the military had
stationed a tank near the entrance to the Conakry
international airport as a "precautionary measure." Contact
said that the tank was not blocking access to the airport,
and that the airport remained open. Later reports indicated
that soldiers backing the coup had gained control of the
airport and seaport, but that operations at both ports
continued as usual.


7. (S) Sources indicate that approximately 150 soldiers
sympathetic to the coup currently control what is commonly
known as "Kilometer 36," which is the main transportation
artery controlling access to and from the city of Conakry.


8. (S) Soldiers behind the coup told DATT that they had
arrested four generals earlier in the day (lowering the
number previously reported),but that they had released them
after the generals promised to bring back the remaining
generals. After departing, the generals reportedly enlisted
several bodyguards each. Members of the 19th promotion told
DATT that they are offering the generals protection if they
willingly come to Camp Alpha Yaya. Later reports indicated
that some generals had elected to do exactly that.


9. (U) Multiple contacts have reported that the city of
Conakry remains quiet, even in the downtown area, although
there is a clear military presence. Most local businesses
are closed. There has been some sporadic gunfire, but
Embassy has received no reports of casualties.


CONAKRY 00000789 002 OF 002


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COMMENT
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10. (S) The coup appears to have been well planned. The
immediate political transition seems to be progressing
peacefully, but that could change quickly if rival groups
begin to execute maneuvers to seize power. Civilians seem to
be publicly criticizing the coup even though they have
privately told Embassy officials in the past that they would
support such a move. Now that a coup has materialized, they
will likely look for opportunities to insert themselves in
the process during this critical period in order to ensure
that the transition is ultimately shaped by civilians. END
COMMENT.
RASPOLIC