ANOTHER AWARD FOR DADIS AND ANOTHER VISIT FROM

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000480

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM ASEC GV
SUBJECT: ANOTHER AWARD FOR DADIS AND ANOTHER VISIT FROM
PRESIDENT WADE

REF: CONAKRY 0442


1. (U) On August 8, CNDD President Moussa Dadis Camara
received another high-profile award in a public ceremony
broadcast over national television. A few months ago, Dadis
received an award from UNESCO for his efforts to combat drug
trafficking, an award that was later determined to be
completely illegitimate. This time around, he was honored by
the International Council of African Managers (CIMA) with an
"OSCAR" for his successful efforts to combat drugs and
prevent a complete collapse of the Guinean State.


2. (U) According to sources, the CIMA is a legitimate
association of entrepreneurs across the continent that
presents annual achievement awards to various individuals. A
contact at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) commented
that it is unusual for a head of state to receive the award,
but that it is not the first time. CIMA apparently claims a
fair number of members from within the Guinean business
community. According to a contact, the local enterprise
known as Superbobo, which specializes in foreign imports of
groceries and other items, is extremely supportive of the
CNDD, having been among the first businesses to contribute
funds for CNDD initiatives. Superbobo is apparently also a
highly active and influential member of CIMA.


3. (U) Lending legitimacy to and raising the profile of the
award, President Wade of Senegal made an unexpected visit to
Conakry to attend the ceremony, just days after having
conducted highly publicized bilateral talks (REFTEL).
Although press and contacts have speculated about a hidden
agenda, most agree that Wade's primary objective really was
to demonstrate support for Dadis by attending the ceremony.
An MFA contact said Wade was on the ground for less than
three hours and left immediately after the ceremony, missing
the state banquet that followed.


4. (U) A statement made by Dadis in a follow-on press
conference is worth noting: "...I admire President Wade. He
is honest and sincere. He is the only man who can properly
present African problems to the international community, in
order to ensure that the international community considers
African realities...(Wade) is the only one who has recognized
the CNDD."

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COMMENT
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5. (SBU) Although disappointing, the award ceremony does not
seem all that significant except for the fact that President
Wade deemed it worthy of his attendance. Wade has called
Dadis his "son" while Dadis has referred to Wade as "father."
Wade's appearance at Dadis' award ceremony suggests that the
relationship may be growing stronger. Dadis most certainly
noticed and appreciated the show of support. END COMMENT.
BROKENSHIRE