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." -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶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