UNREST IN KONO DISTRICT

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000198 SIPDIS SIPDIS DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/CC, AF/W, CA/OCS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASC PGOV SL SUBJECT: UNREST IN KONO DISTRICT ¶1. (U) On 04/23/2008, it was reported that there was a serious disturbance in the Kono District of Sierra Leone. In the early morning hours some local youth went to an area that is under contract to the Kariba Mining Company in Koidu Town to mine for diamonds at the No. 11 Tailings. The youth were told that this area is leased to the Kariba Mining Company and to vacate the premises. The youth dismissed the request to vacate stating that they were promised by the Vice President, during one of his campaign tours, that they could mine anywhere if they voted for the APC. The youth said that they were disappointed and angered that it appears the Vice President did not keep his promise and police had to be called in due to the escalating situation. ¶2. (U) When the police arrived they were confronted by an estimated 500 youth, some of whom were armed with machetes and petrol bombs (Molotov cocktails). The aggression was also directed at the local Paramount Chiefs' and their properties, since they were viewed as collaborating with the mining companies. The police were able to disperse the crowd, only to have them regroup again. At this time the police called in reinforcements from the Regional Headquarters and surrounding areas. Reports also state the President activated the MACP (Military Assistance to Civilian Power) to further supplement the police. ¶3. (U) During the confrontation several arrests were made (conflicting reports put the arrests between 8 - 30) and a police officer's side arm was taken off of him by one of the youth and has yet to be recovered. Police were finally able to disperse the crowd by firing tear gas and several live rounds of ammunition into the air. No casualties were reported. ¶4. (U) Currently the situation is calm, but tensions are still high in the area. A curfew has been implemented and the SLP (Sierra Leone Police) has been deployed to protect the police station, mining companies and their interests, and other buildings and offices that were targeted. ¶5. (SBU) Comment: As of late on 04/24/2008 the area remained calm. However, simmering tensions exacerbated by reports of fuel shortages and high prices for commodities and foodstuff, could result in further outbreaks. Post will issue a warden message to alert U.S. citizens to exercise caution if traveling to the area. Post has been in contact with the American Citizen Warden resident in Kono and also with USAID implementing partners who have projects there. Post will continue to monitor the situation. PERRY