PEACEFUL PROTESTS IN CONAKRY OVER THE WEEKEND,

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000519

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM ASEC GV
SUBJECT: PEACEFUL PROTESTS IN CONAKRY OVER THE WEEKEND,
MORE EXPECTED

REF: A. CONAKRY 0493

B. CONAKRY 0512

C. CONAKRY 0514


1. (SBU) Tensions in Guinea remain high over the question of
Dadis' presenting himself as a candidate in the country's
upcoming presidential elections. Following spontaneous
demonstrations on August 27, both pro and anti CNDD groups
organized peaceful protests on Sunday, August 30 in front of
the U.S. Embassy compound. A pro-CNDD group calling itself
the Movement for Dadis to Stay (MDDR) had previously signaled
its intent to protest the USG's August 20 press release,
which stressed that CNDD members should not participate in
the elections (reftels A and B).


2. (SBU) When anti-CNDD groups were informed of the planned
protest, they started organizing themselves to demonstrate
support for the USG's policy position and to emphasize their
opposition to any CNDD attempts to perpetuate a military
regime. Embassy contacts repeatedly called to say that they
would not allow the MDDR to go forward with its protest
although Embassy officials stated that the USG had no issue
with the protest, which was viewed as an expression of free
speech. At 11:30AM on August 30, approximately 200
demonstrators marched around the Embassy carrying signs and
calling out "Dadis must leave." An hour later, the
protestors marched on towards Bambeto Circle. Gendarmes in
riot gear followed the demonstration, which was peaceful.


3. (SBU) At approximately 6:00PM, a busload of pro-CNDD
demonstrators arrived at the Embassy, numbering between 40
and 60. They stayed for about 30 minutes during which time
they read declarations to the press calling for the United
States to respect Guinea's sovereignty. Many of the
demonstrators were wearing CNDD t-shirts. The demonstrators
left peacefully.


4. (U) Guinee24.com, an internet news site that has been
increasingly biased towards the CNDD in recent weeks,
reported that more than 2000 youths had protested in front of
the Embassy for several hours, despite RFI and BBC reports to
the contrary. Guinee24 did not report on the anti-CNDD
demonstration. Aminata.com, another internet news site (and
one that has been biased against the CNDD),reported the
anti-CNDD demonstration, but not the pro-CNDD demonstration.

--------------
COMMENT
--------------


5. (SBU) The USG's August 20 press release has sparked a
heated debate about Dadis' intentions. Guineans are drawing
lines in the sand and becoming increasingly vocal about their
positions. The Sunday demonstrations were peaceful although
the August 27 disturbances did result in some violence. Many
contacts seem to be on edge, expressing concern that things
may come to a head soon. Dadis is holding a national meeting
today at the People's Palace, which the Forces Vives is
boycotting (Reftel C). Many Guineans fear that Dadis will
formally announce his candidacy, which could spark an
immediate, violent backlash. However, Dadis' initial
statement was inconclusive (septel). As Guinea prepares for
the International Contact Group meeting on Thursday, tensions
are high. More demonstrations are likely in the days ahead.
END COMMENT.
BROKENSHIRE