Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09DAKAR483
2009-04-15 17:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Dakar
Cable title:
GUINEA-BISSAU'S BUDGET TRANSPARENCY IS IMPROVING
how-toVZCZCXRO0710 PP RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHDK #0483 1051727 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 151727Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY DAKAR TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2244 RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY INFO RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC PRIORITY RUEHLMC/MCC WASHDC
UNCLAS DAKAR 000483
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EEB/IFD/OMA: JJACOBY; AF/W, AF/EPS
TREASURY FOR AFRICA DESK, OASIA/E.BARBER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EFIN ECON PREL GB
SUBJECT: GUINEA-BISSAU'S BUDGET TRANSPARENCY IS IMPROVING
REF: STATE 28885
UNCLAS DAKAR 000483
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EEB/IFD/OMA: JJACOBY; AF/W, AF/EPS
TREASURY FOR AFRICA DESK, OASIA/E.BARBER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EFIN ECON PREL GB
SUBJECT: GUINEA-BISSAU'S BUDGET TRANSPARENCY IS IMPROVING
REF: STATE 28885
1. In response to request for clarification of host country's
efforts to make its national budget publicly available, as per
Section 7088(c) of the 2009 SFOAA, post provides the following
information keyed to reftel's specific questions:
A. Yes, Guinea-Bissau's central government is expected to receive a
very small amount of USG assistance that may subject it to
restrictions under Section 70888(c) and for which a national
interest waiver could be required;
B. Guinea-Bissau's annual budget is available publically to some
degree. The official process is fairly transparent, in theory, but
the government has few resources available for printing costs or
website maintenance to make the budget readily available.
Guinea-Bissau has a very small civil society, which is largely not
prepared to participate in discussions on the national budget. The
government's proposed budget is debated and approved by the National
Assembly. The country's FY09 budget was approved by on April 9;
C. Yes, projected income and expenditures are included in the draft
budget. However, in a country that is running a large deficit, and
is hoping for greater donor assistance to fill its budget gap and to
assist with basic social programs, the accuracy and execution of the
budget is a moving target.
2. In determining whether or not a waiver for Guinea-Bissau should
be required, Washington agencies should keep in mind that
Guinea-Bissau's public administration has very little capacity. The
USG engagement in Guinea-Bissau is increasing, but remains very
small in terms of actual assistance, with an estimated USD 1 million
programmed for FY 2009.
3. Should a national interest waiver be required, Post requests
that Washington agencies do so in a timely manner since our small
programs could prove highly valuable for much-needed security sector
reform and for the critical upcoming presidential elections
following the March 2nd assassination of President Vieira.
BERNICAT
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EEB/IFD/OMA: JJACOBY; AF/W, AF/EPS
TREASURY FOR AFRICA DESK, OASIA/E.BARBER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EFIN ECON PREL GB
SUBJECT: GUINEA-BISSAU'S BUDGET TRANSPARENCY IS IMPROVING
REF: STATE 28885
1. In response to request for clarification of host country's
efforts to make its national budget publicly available, as per
Section 7088(c) of the 2009 SFOAA, post provides the following
information keyed to reftel's specific questions:
A. Yes, Guinea-Bissau's central government is expected to receive a
very small amount of USG assistance that may subject it to
restrictions under Section 70888(c) and for which a national
interest waiver could be required;
B. Guinea-Bissau's annual budget is available publically to some
degree. The official process is fairly transparent, in theory, but
the government has few resources available for printing costs or
website maintenance to make the budget readily available.
Guinea-Bissau has a very small civil society, which is largely not
prepared to participate in discussions on the national budget. The
government's proposed budget is debated and approved by the National
Assembly. The country's FY09 budget was approved by on April 9;
C. Yes, projected income and expenditures are included in the draft
budget. However, in a country that is running a large deficit, and
is hoping for greater donor assistance to fill its budget gap and to
assist with basic social programs, the accuracy and execution of the
budget is a moving target.
2. In determining whether or not a waiver for Guinea-Bissau should
be required, Washington agencies should keep in mind that
Guinea-Bissau's public administration has very little capacity. The
USG engagement in Guinea-Bissau is increasing, but remains very
small in terms of actual assistance, with an estimated USD 1 million
programmed for FY 2009.
3. Should a national interest waiver be required, Post requests
that Washington agencies do so in a timely manner since our small
programs could prove highly valuable for much-needed security sector
reform and for the critical upcoming presidential elections
following the March 2nd assassination of President Vieira.
BERNICAT