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.
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COMMENT
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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