KAMSAR YOUTH PROTEST SHORTAGES OF ELECTRICITY

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000494 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV EMIN PHUM PREL ASEC GV SUBJECT: KAMSAR YOUTH PROTEST SHORTAGES OF ELECTRICITY ¶1. (U) A violent protest reportedly led by youths over the lack of electricity occurred in Kamsar this morning, a mining town located approximately three hours from Conakry. According to sources, two people were killed, but the cause of the deaths are undetermined. Military forces reportedly fired into the air to disperse the crowds and other protestors were reportedly wounded. ¶2. (U) The protests apparently began at 5:00am when Kamsar citizens blocked streets and rail lines. All shops and fuel stations were closed and tires were set on fire, obstructing some local streets and the railroad. Protestors vandalized the sous-prefet's house and local sources reported looting. Security reinforcements from Conakry arrived in the late morning in Kamsar and a military helicopter is reportedly in the area. By late afternoon, the demonstrators appear to have quieted down, but sources indicate that they may regroup this evening. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Apparently a fuel shortage has decreased power production in Kamsar, resulting in power cuts. Local protests over shortages of electricity are not uncommon and often target large, local enterprises such as the Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee (CBG) in Kamsar. However, the frequency of these protests has diminished since the military seized power in December. BROKENSHIRE