CNDD PROMISES TO RELEASE FUNDS FOR ELECTION

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000505 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID AORC GV SUBJECT: CNDD PROMISES TO RELEASE FUNDS FOR ELECTION ¶1. (U) On August 25, the Guinean Government (GoG) announced its intention to release the long promised 30 billion Guinean Francs designated for up coming elections. There are currently conflicting reports in the press with some stating that the funds have actually been released and others stating the GoG has only promised to release the funds. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Political Affairs (MATAP) told Embassy LES that the funds had already been released. However, CENI President Ben Sekou Syllah told Embassy that the CENI had not yet received the funds. -------------- COMMENTS -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The fact that the GoG is announcing the disbursement of funds just a few days before the next International Contact Group meeting, on September 3, is likely not coincidental. However, it is not the first time that CNDD President Moussa Dadis Camara has indicated that the funds are available. The real test will be in whether or not the funds actually get turned over to the CENI over the next few days. Under the CNDD, it is not unusual for funds to take several days to move due to extensive red tape and Dadis, tight control over government resources. END COMMENT. BROKENSHIRE