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