MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DISCUSSES COCAINE

C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000403

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/04/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV SNAR SL
SUBJECT: MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DISCUSSES COCAINE
BUST, OTHER ISSUES

REF: A. FREETOWN 380

B. FREETOWN 336

Classified By: CDA Glenn Fedzer for reasons 1.4(b/d)


1. (C) Summary: Ambassador, DCM, Poloff, and Deskoff met
with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation (MFA) and key members of her staff on July 31.
The Minister promised to provide assistance in guaranteeing
regular consular visits for the detained AmCit connected to
the recent cocaine bust, as well as gave assurances that
President Koroma intends to see those involved punished,
regardless of their political connections or wealth. The
Minister also discussed other issues, including the
Government's delegation to UNGA and her intention to effect
appropriate oversight of official passports and visa
requests. End Summary.


2. (C) Ambassador, accompanied by DCM and others, met with
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Zainab Bangura on July 31. While the purpose of the meeting
was to introduce DCM Fedzer to MFA interlocutors, it also
provided a forum to discuss pending issues. Per reftel A,
Minister Bangura provided information on the Government of
Sierra Leone's (GoSL) UNGA delegation, and will provide
updated information in the next two weeks. The Minister also
briefly spoke of consular issues, saying that note verbales
were overused in the past for requesting visas, and will be
used from now on only for official travel. Further, Minister
Bangura stated that she has a list of the diplomatic and
service passports issued since 2002, and will begin the
process of withdrawing those that should no longer be
considered active.


3. (C) Minister Bangura mentioned an emergency cabinet
meeting to discuss launching the President's agriculture
program. She said that they need harvesters in the immediate
future, to bring in the current rice crop and allow for
planting the first of next year's expected two to three
crops. The long-term plan includes a focus on cash crops and
value-added production, in the hopes of becoming a net
exporter in three years' time.


4. (C) Delving briefly into the topic of the July 13 cocaine
bust (see reftel B),Ambassador reminded the Minister about a
letter regarding the AmCit charged in connection with the
case. She informed Minister Bangura that USG standard
operating procedures involve a monthly meeting between
consular officers and detained American citizens, and asked
for assistance in ensuring that these visits occur. The
Minister responded that she will draft a letter to the
Attorney-General, informing him that procedures need to be
developed to allow regular and easy access to the prisoner.


5. (C) The Minister thanked the Ambassador for USG assistance
provided to date concerning the cocaine bust. She said that
government officials are aware of the severity and importance
of the case, and that President Koroma has personally
promised that whoever is found to be involved will be
punished, "even if it's his own mother."


6. (C) Comment: While the Minister primarily reiterated
details covered in previous discussions, Ambassador and
Emboffs welcomed the promise for monthly visits with the
AmCit, as well as the continued rhetoric regarding tough
justice for those guilty of narcotics trafficking. Minister
Bangura's intention to withdraw official passports from those
no longer in service to the GoSL is also welcome,
demonstrating once again her commitment to addressing problem
issues within her ministry. End Comment.
FEDZER