FORCES VIVES BOYCOTT LATEST DADIS SHOW

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000368 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL ASEC GV SUBJECT: FORCES VIVES BOYCOTT LATEST DADIS SHOW ¶1. (U) SUMMARY. In an uncharacteristic display of resolve, the majority of Guinea's Forces Vives refused to meet with CNDD President Moussa Dadis Camara following his convocation to a June 23 meeting. Reportedly outraged after being stood up, Dadis attended the meeting which was packed with his supporters. However, he was unable to play the crowd in his usual manner and was actually booed by students, another first. The Forces Vives' refusal to meet with Dadis may signal the beginning of a more proactive agenda. END SUMMARY. -------------- FORCES VIVES BOYCOTT MEETING -------------- ¶2. (U) On June 23 Guinea's Forces Vives boycotted a meeting at the People's Palace called by CNDD President Moussa Dadis Camara to discuss the transition. A letter signed by Forces Vives spokesperson Jean-Marie Dore stated that while the Forces Vives supported Dadis in his transition efforts and maintained hope for a new Guinea, they had increasing concerns about the transition and would not attend the meeting at the People's Palace. Due to its peanut gallery atmosphere, the Forces Vives maintained that the People's Palace was inappropriate for serious political discussion. Just hours before the meeting was to begin, Dadis also convoked the diplomatic corps. A handful of diplomats attended though none from the U.S. Embassy. Embassy LES who was at the meeting, stated that only eighteen political party representatives (out of more than 80 parties) were present. They,however,were praised by Dadis as patriots. ¶3. (U) Dadis arrived two hours late. During the wait attendees became rowdy, with half the audience chanting, "2009 Elections!" and the other half demanding "2010 Elections!" Dadis strutted in with a cadre of ministers, accompanied by more security than normal. Security forces patrolling the crowd were overheard to say, "We are willing to do anything so this meeting is not disturbed," which was taken as a warning against any anti-CNDD taunts. ¶4. (U) Dadis criticized those leaders who had failed to attend, but reiterated that his door is open for dialogue. He stated that elections are still on track for 2009, but later raised the specter of chaos and war if the transition was not handled adequately. -------------- DADIS UNABLE TO CONTROL CROWD -------------- ¶5. (U) Most strikingly, Dadis seemed strained and tense and was unable to play to the crowd in his usual manner. Several times he called out to the audience, "Listen! Listen! Listen - what I have to say is important." Some audience members booed Dadis, an unprecedented affront to the CNDD President. Almost in desperation, Dadis invoked the patronage of Presidents Obama and Sarkozy, saying "Obama supports Guinea" and "I owe them a lot of respect." Dadis told the political leaders to meet with him within a week, leaving the venue an open question. Later that night, Dadis requested that a select group of political party leaders meet him at Camp Alpha Yaya. They refused. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶6. (U) The refusal of the Forces Vives to meet with Dadis at the Palais signals a new chapter in their political relationship. After months of grandstanding and fruitless discussions, a simple "no" put Dadis on the defensive. The decision by the Forces Vives to boycott the meeting was warmly greeted by many on the street who are weary of Dadis' antics. The Forces Vives appear to have spoken with one voice and made themselves heard. END COMMENT. RASPOLIC