SUSPECTED FORMER GOG NARCO-TRAFFICKERS POSSIBLY NO

S E C R E T CONAKRY 000502 SIPDIS FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ATA E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/26/2029 TAGS: ASEC PGOV PMIL KDEM SNAR GV SUBJECT: SUSPECTED FORMER GOG NARCO-TRAFFICKERS POSSIBLY NO LONGER FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES REF: 08 CONAKRY 0184 Classified By: RSO Philip W. Nazelrod for reason 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) A Ministry of Security source reveals the CNDD,s decision to release and/or not prosecute for narcotics trafficking former ranking leaders of the Ministry of Security under Lansana Conte,s regime. The CNDD does, however, intend to prosecute for narcotics offenses a former founding member of the CNDD and long-time Lansana Conte advisor. -------------- The Triumvirate Survives -------------- ¶2. (S) Gaining international notoriety for orchestrating the farcical incineration of narcotics - including 390 kilos of cocaine - in April 2008 (reftel),the former Minister of Security Beau Kieta, former National Director of Police Sekou Mohamed Bangoura, and former Assistant Director of Guinea,s Anti-Drug Unit (OCAD) Djakariou Cisse may soon be released from detention. According to a high-ranking Ministry of Security (MOS) contact, the Ministry of Justice (led by Minister Siba Loholamou) recently decided to not prosecute (or reduce the charges) pending against the trio. ¶3. (C) Former Minister of Security, Beau Kieta, is no longer charged with narcotics trafficking. His case was dismissed from the criminal court and transferred to the correctional tribunal (a lower court system for lesser crimes). It is unclear what charges are pending against Kieta. ¶4. (C) Sekou Mohamed Bangoura, one of Guinea,s most notorious alleged traffickers, will be released from detention with no charges filed. Reportedly, Bangoura is cashing in on the fact that he is related to Minister of State for Presidential Security Claude Pivi (aka Coplan). The exact relationship Bangoura enjoys with Pivi is unknown, but sources indicate Minister Loholamou is struggling (ethically and politically) with the decision to release Bangoura. (Note: It remains unclear who exactly made the decision ordering his release. End Note). ¶5. (C) Djakariou Cisse was reportedly released without charges because his spouse, Cisse Souadou, wielded her influence within the Ministry of Justice. She is listed as a sitting judge within the Ministry and is responsible for hearing narco-trafficking cases. Prior to the coup, she was the Chief of Cabinet (third in command) at the Ministry of Reconciliation. -------------- One Who Didn,t Get Away -------------- ¶6. (C) Colonel Cheick Tidiane Camara, an original member of the CNDD and former advisor to President Lansana Conte, will be charged with narcotics trafficking. Camara was believed to be supported by Mougnet Donzo, former commander of the Presidential Guard (Red Berets) during Conte,s regime. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶7. (S) If the information is correct, it provides further evidence of the CNDD,s unwillingness to prosecute former members of the GOG for narcotics trafficking who benefit from relationships with powerful CNDD leaders. Particularly disturbing is Bangoura,s potential release based, at least in part, on his relationship with Pivi. Pivi already demonstrated his ability to challenge the CNDD when his Red Berets successfully raided the Ministry of High Crimes (under Minister Tiegboro Camara) to release a group of Red Berets accused of banditry. Minister of Justice Loholamou appears quite uneasy with the decision to release Bangoura - and for good cause. If Bangoura is released, it may cement Pivi,s power to manipulate and control the CNDD and key ministries. Additionally, many ranking members of the Ministry of Security may view Bangoura,s release as an affront which will assuredly add to the apathy already manifested within the civilian police force. BROKENSHIRE