VICE PRESIDENT TOTO CAMARA ATTACKED BY

C O N F I D E N T I A L CONAKRY 000433 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/23/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC GV SUBJECT: VICE PRESIDENT TOTO CAMARA ATTACKED BY PRESIDENTIAL GUARD Classified By: A/DCM J. Brenden Classified for Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) ¶1. SUMMARY. On January 21, in the late evening, sources indicate that First Vice President Toto Camara was attacked by the Presidential Guard as he attempted to inspect a container that held police equipment and supplies. He was reportedly physically injured, but did not require medical attention. The following day Dadis convened an assembly to apologize to Toto, but this involved no disciplinary action. The deterioration of military discipline continues to erode Dadis's position and create a climate of impunity. It also threatens the stability of the country. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) On July 21, at approximately 8:00 in the evening, First Vice President, and Minister of Security, Toto Camara reportedly arrived at the port of Conakry to inspect a container of police equipment that had been ordered from South Korea prior to the coup. He was met by a group of Presidential Guard soldiers, or beret rouge, who were at the port for the same purpose. When Toto, who holds the rank of Major General, asked the Presidential Guards to leave the area because his group would take over the inspection, he was reportedly attacked. His rank insignia were stripped from his uniform and he was reportedly beaten. Though he was battered and bruised, his injuries did not require medical attention. ¶3. (C) At approximately 2:00 am, Toto was taken by the Presidential Guard to Camp Alpha Yaya and brought before CNDD President Moussa Dadis Camara. Note: It is unclear what transpired between the incident at the port and 2:00 am. End Note. Toto was reportedly unable to stand when he was taken to Dadis's offices. Dadis reportedly denied knowledge of the attack and attempted to console Toto. He also threatened to remove Toto's attackers from the army, although this order was not carried out. Later that day Dadis convened an assembly of officers and soldiers to present apologies to the Vice President. Toto reportedly accepted the apologies and advised the group that they must be loyal and respect the military hierarchy. DAO sources confirmed that the attack and meetings with Dadis took place. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶4. (C) Discipline at the Camp and in the military in general, has been increasingly problematic since the coup. An attack on a general officer by enlisted men however elevates the disorder to a new level. Toto is arguably the second highest ranking official in the government after Dadis himself. It appears the conflict arose over the contents of a container which included police equipment and supplies, but no weapons. There is reason to believe that both Dadis and Toto may have assumed that arms were included in the shipment. Each may have wanted the weapons. Nevertheless, Dadis's reluctance to punish the attackers, signals that he is unwilling to cross those soldiers who stand between him and other factions of the military. Dadis continues to increase the number of security forces surrounding him at the detriment of the rest of the military. This loyal group however, appears to be degenerating into a band of armed thugs that Dadis may soon no longer have the will or ability to control. END COMMENT BROKENSHIRE