SITUATION REPORT: HARARE EAC EVALUATES SITUATION,

C O N F I D E N T I A L HARARE 000279 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA AF/S S/CT CA E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/04/2018 TAGS: ASEC AMGT CASC PREL ZI SUBJECT: SITUATION REPORT: HARARE EAC EVALUATES SITUATION, AWAITS ANNOUNCEMENT REF: A. HARARE 268 ¶B. HARARE 275 Classified By: JAMES D. MCGEE, AMBASSADOR, REASONS 1.4 (A, G) ¶1. (U) Embassy Harare EAC met on April 4 to review events of the last 24 hours and determine whether any adjustments are required in Post's security posture or in guidance to American citizens. DCM chaired the meeting. ¶2. (C) Poloff reviewed the current situation. He told EAC that a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announcement of a runoff was highly likely either April 4 or by Monday April 7 at the latest. The exact date for a runoff is not yet clear--the law requires it to be held 21 days from the date of the announcement of presidential results, but Mugabe may unilaterally extend this--and negotiations for President Mugabe to withdraw could continue even after a runoff is announced. ZANU-PF will mobilize throughout the country to seek to ensure Mugabe a better showing in the runoff than he obtained in the first round. This could mean increased levels of violence and intimidation. DCM told the EAC about the detention of four Americans on April 3, with two released, one charged, and one held incommunicado overnight. (NOTE: Following the EAC, Reserve Bank Governor Gono told Ambassador that this American was now at Harare Central Police Station and subject to formal charges. Conoff, who had visited Harare Central numerous times since the Amcit initially disappeared, was able to see him at 14:00 on April 4 and confirmed that he was well. END NOTE.) ¶3. (U) The EAC reviewed current guidance for Embassy employees, official visitors and American citizens. The EAC recommended that RSO issue a notice telling Embassy employees that a ZEC decision on the election is expected by the end of the weekend and reiterating current guidance (Ref B). CONS will prepare a warden message with the same information on announcement of results and reiteration of current guidance, including stress on the importance of registration. ¶4. (U) The EAC evaluated pending official visits and planned in country travel. The EAC approved mission critical, time sensitive in-country travel but requested that travelers carry satellite phones and check in twice daily. Non-essential in-country travel will be deferred. ¶5. (U) Ambassador joined the EAC before the meeting concluded and concurred with all EAC recommendations. MCGEE