REPORTERS CHALLENGE DADIS AT AUDIT PRESS CONFERENCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L CONAKRY 000550

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/10/2019
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL ASEC GV
SUBJECT: REPORTERS CHALLENGE DADIS AT AUDIT PRESS CONFERENCE

REF: A. CONAKRY 00503

B. CONAKRY 00538

Classified By: POLOFF JULIA TULLY FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)


1. (U) On September 9, CNDD President Moussa Dadis Camara
held a press conference at the national radio and television
center (RTG) with national and international press to discuss
restarting the audits that will examine the entire 24-year
period of the Conte regime. First Vice President and Minister
of Defense General Sekouba Konate was originally scheduled to
conduct the press conference, but Dadis replaced him. The
diplomatic community as a whole was not invited although some
diplomatic contacts reported receiving an initial invitation
that was later revoked by the MFA over the phone.


2. (U) Beginning the conference with lengthy remarks, Dadis
embarked on familiar themes: his honest character, the
untrustworthy nature of politicians, and the desire of the
Guinean people to keep him in power. Several times he used
the phrase, "If I am a candidate..." Dadis also stated that
he reluctantly agreed to conduct the audits at this time
knowing that it would be interpreted by some as preventing
certain candidates from participating in the upcoming
elections. Nevertheless, by popular demand, the audits would
begin. Audit Commissioner Ousamne Kaba then also spoke at
length listing many of the projects, companies, and
government entities that would be investigated.

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REPORTERS QUESTION TRANSPARENCY
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3. (SBU) About half of the questions from reporters that
followed provided an easy platform for Dadis to expound on
favorite topics, one being the CNDD's fight against illegal
drugs. However, several reporters challenged Dadis directly,
even asking pointed follow-up questions. One of the first
questions focused on the unrest in 2007 and the deaths of
protestors, wondering why these events had not been included
in the audit? The reporter also asked for clarity about the
audit -- who exactly would be investigated? He questioned
whether the CNDD would investigate individuals, companies, a
government, or a system. The audience reacted negatively to
the reporter who strained to be heard, while Dadis urged
quiet. Dadis avoided a direct answer, but replied that that
was why a civilian would not be a good choice for leading
Guinea -- a strong military hand was needed to keep control
as civilians "cannot put a hand" on even a corporal.


4. (SBU) Two other reporters focused on conflict of interest
and transparency issues, pointing out that Dadis and other
CNDD members have relationships with individuals and
institutions that will be investigated. Continuing this line
of questioning, the last reporter asked about the involvement
of one Audit Commission member in the sale of a mine. Would
he allow a member of his cabinet to be prosecuted if charged
with embezzlement? Dadis replied that no one is above the law
and pointed to the arrest of military officers and members of
late President Conte's family. He did not see why a minister
would be exempted.

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COMMENT
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5. (C) Recent CNDD interventions such as the temporary
stoppage of cell phone texting capability (reftel) and the
ban on political discussions on privately-owned radio
demonstrate the tenuous nature of freedom of expression under
the CNDD. In other public events with Dadis, audience members
have been forcibly removed for allowing a cell phone to ring,
or for asking relatively innocuous questions. The young
reporters who challenged Dadis yesterday were focused,
probing, and allowed to speak. Interestingly, it also appears
that Dadis is continuing his cat and mouse game with respect
to his anticipated candidacy. Despite telling the
International Contact Group on September 3 that he plans to
run (reftel B),he has yet to formally announce his
candidacy. End comment.
BROKENSHIRE