Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08FREETOWN524
2008-11-03 17:24:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:  

OCTOBER POLITICAL ROUND-UP - FREETOWN

Tags:  PGOV PREL PINR SL 
pdf how-to read a cable
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RR RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0524/01 3081724
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R 031724Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2284
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000524 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER/ESPRUELL)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SL
SUBJECT: OCTOBER POLITICAL ROUND-UP - FREETOWN

Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4(b/d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000524

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER/ESPRUELL)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SL
SUBJECT: OCTOBER POLITICAL ROUND-UP - FREETOWN

Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4(b/d)


1. (U) Summary: This is the first in a series of monthly
political reporting cables providing a brief snapshot on
notable current events and party politics. Questions about
the items listed can be directed to Political/Economic
Officer Amy LeMar (lemaran@state.gov). End Summary.

--------------
CURRENT EVENTS
--------------


2. (C) CORRUPTION - The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) made
public its findings regarding procurement irregularities
within the Ministry of Energy and Power. The ACC determined
that the Ministry failed to comply with procurement laws and
regulations when it contracted with Nigerian-based Income
Electrix Limited to provide 25MW of power to parts of
Freetown on November 23, 2007. The contract was awarded
without prior approval from legally authorized institutions,
against the advice of the technical group responsible for
reviewing the bids, and also contains unfavorable financial
terms for the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL). The ACC
noted in a report shared with Poloff that there is no
evidence that these actions violate the Anti-Corruption Act
2000 (Note: The Anti-Corruption Act 2008 came into force
September 1, 2008. End Note.),but recommended that the
Minister of Justice terminate the contract immediately. On
the defensive in the press, the Minister of Energy is citing
lack of knowledge about procurement regulations as reason for
the irregularities. She also cited the considerable pressure
placed upon her by President Koroma to make good on his
campaign promise for electricity throughout Freetown before
the end of 2007. Comment: ACC Commissioner Abdul Tejan-Cole
followed through on his promise to go after big fish
following the passage of the ACC Act 2008. Though the new act
has no bearing on this particular investigation, the case has
captured the attention of the general public and garnered
good press for the ACC. Of particular note is the willingness
to investigate one of President Koroma's pet projects, a
strong sign that Tejan-Cole, despite his friendship with
Koroma - is committed to maintaining the ACC's independence

from the Executive Office. End Comment.


3. (C) DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES - Illegal structures
within the business center of Freetown and along the Lumley
Beach were demolished by Sierra Leone Police and the Freetown
City Council. The Minister of Tourism and Culture stated that
the destroyed buildings did not meet hygiene standards, and,
in some cases, were marring the city's scenic views. The
government also stated that squatters received ample
notification of the demolitions. This action has been met
with mixed reviews: some view the move as a sign that the APC
government is making a tangible effort to address
illegalities, while others believe the demolitions occurred
at the behest of larger enterprises better able to line the
pockets of decision-makers than the small-scale business
owners. Comment: Though motivations are unclear, embassy
notes that much of the beach-front property benefiting from
unobstructed views are Chinese-owned. End Comment.


4. (C) COMMISSION OF INQUIRY - The APC government established
a Commission of Inquiry to investigate misappropriation of
donor funds under the previous SLPP administration. The SLPP
promised to cooperate fully with the commission, but claimed
it to be a "witch-hunt" that will broaden the political
divide in the country. Though the GoSL has made assurances
that those called before the Commission will be treated as
witnesses, rather than guilty parties, the SLPP continue to
question the validity of the Commission as frequently as
possible in the press. Comment: The public has shown little
interest in the Commission, which is somewhat typical of the
Sierra Leonean attitude to let bygones be bygones. The GoSL
frequently mentions in meetings with the Ambassador and other
embassy staff that the SLPP stole donor funds to the tune of
millions of dollars, but has yet to show any proof. It is
unclear if this Commission is meant to uncover concrete
evidence against the SLPP, or is simply a public relations
move to distract the public from APC inaction on particular
political promises. If it is the latter, however, only a
sensational finding is likely to capture the citizens'
attention. End Comment.


5. (C) CABINET SHAKE-UP - The rumored cabinet shake-up,
previously expected around the anniversary of the President's
inauguration is now more likely to occur before the end of
the calendar year. The Minister of Mines and Energy are both
rumored for the axe due to allegations of corruption levied
against them, while the Minister of Works and Marine
Resources have both been accused of poor performance. The
Minister of Tourism is reportedly an embarassment to the

FREETOWN 00000524 002 OF 002


President due to drunkenness and drug abuse. Public sentiment
suggests that Koroma will have to sacrifice several of his
Cabinet to demonstrate that he is a strong leader who will
not condone corruption or under-performance. Another Minister
possibly at risk of removal is the Minister of Information
and Communication. In an October 31 meeting, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs revealed to Ambassador and Poloff that the
Minister has misspoken on a number of occasions, presenting
inapproprate or incorrect views on behalf of the President.
Further, he has alienated a number of key public and private
stakeholders in the sector. Comment: While the key ministers
are not rumored for removal, it is still possible that more
prominent targets will be identified. The dismissal of the
Minister of Mines would be the most significant selection of
those currently listed, because of the impact mining
concessions have on the national budget. Several recently
signed concessions with big companies like African Minerals
are rumored to be highly disadvantageous to the GoSL, yet
were somehow pushed through for approval. The sacking of the
Minister of Energy would also send a strong message about
Koroma's commitment to stopping corruption at the highest
levels of government. End Comment.

--------------
PARTY POLITICS
--------------


6. (C) APC - Rumors suggest that the APC are embroiled in a
leadership tussle, caused by a faction within the party that
seeking to prevent President Koroma from standing for
re-election in 2012. The APC Constitution mandates only two
consecutive terms as party leader, and Koroma is currently
serving his second term. Koroma's supporters have begun
lobbying for a change to the party constitution, in part
because many believe the APC would have been unsuccessful in
the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2007 without
him. Many feel his supporters will rule the day. Comment:
Koroma is somewhat removed from the APC elders - his
Presidential candidacy was built on being a "new breed" of
APC politician. Though he has support from many strong
leaders within the party, he also has powerful enemies. The
Attorney General (AG),for example, challenged his leadership
of the party in court because of his belief that a party
up-start should not be rewarded with either the leadership
position, or, ultimately, the Presidency. The case was
eventually settled out of court, and likely resulted in the
AG's seemingly velcro-like hold on a position for which he
fails to perform his most basic duties. It is possible that
Koroma's detractors are aware of their need of him to
potentially hold onto the Presidency in 2012, and are
stirring the pot now as a reminder of party discipline. End
Comment.


7. (C) SLPP - The official opposition is gearing up for its
convention, which is expected to be held before the end of
the calendar year. This convention will have tremendous
significance, as the party has been without a leader since
the loss of the Presidential election in 2007. While the SLPP
appeared rudderless prior to and after the local elections in
July, it has recently rallied to be a more unified, effective
mouthpiece against the APC government. Focusing on the
cocaine trial, high cost of living, and Income Electrix
scandal (see para. 2),the SLPP's current political strategy
is to simply highlight perceived mistakes made by the
government, rather than offer their own ideas for solutions.
The SLPP radio station, Unity Radio, is gaining popularity in
Freetown. Comment: The leadership race for the SLPP is
currently too close to call, but the frontrunner appears to
be John Benjamin, who was Kabbah's Minister of Finance.
Benajamin is dogged by rumors of corruption during his days
as Minister, but is nevertheless considered a safe choice by
party elders. End Comment.


8. (C) People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) - The
recent defection of a senior party member, Moijue Kai-Kai, to
the APC has left the party in further disarray. The PMDC's
poor showing in the July local elections created an internal
rift, with blame for their failures frequently levied at top
party officials. Comment: The PMDC splintered from the SLPP,
but sided with the APC in the Presidential run-off elections.
This defection, one of several in recent weeks to the APC, is
an indicator that the APC will absorb PMDC members if the
party falls apart. End comment.
PERRY