CONAKRY RELATIVELY CALM, UNCONFIRMED REPORTS OF

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000599 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV PHUM PREL GV SUBJECT: CONAKRY RELATIVELY CALM, UNCONFIRMED REPORTS OF DEMONSTRATIONS UP COUNTRY ¶1. (SBU) After yesterday's violence, Conakry has been relatively quiet throughout the morning. Traffic has been circulating, but with noticeably fewer vehicles. Businesses are generally shuttered and there is a large presence of security forces evident at major traffic junctions. ¶2. (SBU) A number of contacts have indicated that they are regrouping in order to review yesterday's events and coordinate an appropriate reaction. Les Forces Vives is expecting to hold a press conference at 1500 today while other groups are planning meetings to discuss their options. Contacts indicate that the situation remains fluid and that further protest activity is likely, although such activity may take place later in the week. ¶3. (SBU) Although the city is relatively calm, there have been isolated reports of protest activity. As of 1135, youths had already started to gather between the Hamdallaye and Bambeto traffic circles. Reports indicate that the youths were throwing stones at passing vehicles. There are also reports of a large military presence in Cosa. There have also been reports of gunshots in Bambeto and Cosa. (COMMENT. The Cosa/Bambeto/Hamdallaye - CBH - corridor is often where demonstrations and general violence erupt during times of unrest. These are predominantly Peuhl neighborhoods. END COMMENT). ¶4. (SBU) Embassy has received unconfirmed reports of possible protest activity in Faranah (Upper Guinea) and Mamou and Labe (Middle Guinea). One contact reported that businesses in Mamou and Labe were shuttered and that "mass" protests are underway. However, the PC Regional Director in Labe said that the city was calm although he confirmed that businesses were closed. In Faranah, a "large-scale" protest is reportedly underway. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶5. (U) The security situation remains fluid and Embassy will continue to monitor events closely. There is no perceived threat to American citizens at this time. END COMMENT. BROKENSHIRE