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