EAC MEETING ON SECURITY ISSUES CONCERNING THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L DAKAR 000261 E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2019 TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC KMSG SUBJECT: EAC MEETING ON SECURITY ISSUES CONCERNING THE ASSASSINATION OF THE PRESIDENT AND ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF Classified By: RSO John Beaudry ¶1. The EAC was convened by the Ambassador. In attendance were the DCM, RAO, OSC, LEGAT, POL, POL Guinea Bissau Watcher, PAO, CON, AND RSO. ¶2. The CON, RSO, POL and POL Guinea Bissau Watcher briefed the EAC on the latest developments concerning the assassination of the President and the killing of the Army Chief of Staff. Reports from our contacts in Bissau are that the city is calm at the moment with some sporadic gun fire earlier this morning. The Prime Minister is reported safe and working with the President of the National Assembly, who by the constitution is now the interim President of Guinea Bissau. ¶3. Reports from our wardens in the country side are that all is calm and things seem normal at this time. The Consular section has sent out a warden message and has made contact with a few of the wardens via e-mail and telephone. The military appear to be in control of the city. The airport and all border crossings have been closed. All of the U.S. Liaison Office personnel are reported safe. ¶4. The EAC is working on a press release condemning the killings and calling for the adherence to the rule of law and the constitution. The up coming visit to Bissau by the Ambassador and AFRICOM Ambassador Yates has been posponed. EAC will send our Guinea Bissau Watcher to Bissau once it is determine to be safe. BERNICAT