Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09CONAKRY494
2009-08-24 15:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Conakry
Cable title:
KAMSAR YOUTH PROTEST SHORTAGES OF ELECTRICITY
how-toVZCZCXRO9805 RR RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHRY #0494 2361542 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 241542Z AUG 09 ZDK FM AMEMBASSY CONAKRY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3953 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
UNCLAS CONAKRY 000494
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV EMIN PHUM PREL ASEC GV
SUBJECT: 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
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