APC U.S.-BASED BLOG ATTACKS, THREATENS U.S. AMBASSADOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000110 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (HUNTER/SPRUILL) E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2019 TAGS: PGOV ASEC PREL PINR SL SUBJECT: APC U.S.-BASED BLOG ATTACKS, THREATENS U.S. AMBASSADOR REF: A. FREETOWN 99 ¶B. FREETOWN 104 ¶C. FREETOWN 106 ¶D. FREETOWN 109 Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4 (b/d) ¶1. (U) Please see action request, para 7. ¶2. (C) An All Peoples Congress (APC) blog called "All Peoples Communication" has issued a scurrilous, untrue polemic attacking Ambassador's meeting with opposition party (SLPP) at the destroyed SLPP headquarters site. It does not indicate that the Ambassador (and Dip Corps) had met with both APC and SLPP leaders at the UN. Per reftel A, Ambassador also met with Foreign Minister Bangura, representing the APC government, concerning the unrest in Freetown March 13-16. ¶3. (C) On March 23, local newspapers picked up the blog "story" which warns that U.S. comments concerning human rights will result in a sexual attack on the Ambassador. We note that immediately following the March 16 looting and destruction of the SLPP headquarters and alleged rape of 6-10 female employees, the Embassy issued a March 17 statement urging non-violence, unity and respect for human rights, including those of women. A roundtable with both parties was held March 17 (reftel B). On the same day, the dip corps met with the Foreign Minister who was dismissive of both European and African Chiefs of Mission requests for more information on reports of police brutality and participation in the melees (reftel C). During Ambassador's March 16 meeting with the FoMin, the FoMin loudly denounced the opposition and indicated she had not spoken with their leadership in over 20 years. ¶4. (C) Members of the SLPP appear to be seeking a means of retaliating against the hard line element of President Koroma's APC governing party; on March 21, the Sierra Leone Police received a tip that a truckload of SLPP youth in Kailahun would travel to Kenema to create civil disturbances there. The youth scattered when the police located the truck, but a number of crude weapons were found inside. The arrested driver admitted that he had been hired to take the youth to Kenema. SLPP leaders alluded to the potential for retaliatory attacks during their meeting with the Dip Corps and UN. ¶5. (C) A planned Dip Corps/UN roundtable is expected by Friday, March 27; Chiefs of Mission are to hold a session together March 26 following two days of UN/ERSG negotiations with the Secretaries-General of both parties. According to the UN, the two parties have agreed to several points which Ambassadors will review. The end-goal is a statement signed by both parties, the President, and witnessed by the international community representatives. A major problem is President Koroma's desire to travel to Europe, though tension surrounding the situation remains unabated. The UN/ERSG is meeting with the Head of State to try to persuade him to delay his trip until the situation is calm. The APC party conference is also scheduled in about two weeks' time and it is clear the President must be in-country for this conclave. Unfortunately, Koroma's March 17 statement, made at night, was weak and did little to lessen tensions between the factions. ¶6. (C) Literally adding fuel to the fire was a March 22 fire at the pipeline to the main fuel depot, leaving eleven dead and about a dozen Sierra Leoneans seriously wounded (reftel D). Initial reports indicate police tear gas caused the explosion. Potential demonstrations against the police remain possible. ¶7. (C) In light of the current state of unrest, Ambassador will postpone a planned public address to Parliament. Radio stations of both parties remain closed to avoid incendiary rhetoric at this crucial point. Though the closures initially created controversy, the Independent Media Commission later agreed that the stations are adding to the threat to peace and stability. ¶8. (C) Action request: That INR seek information on Mohamed Aniz NABE, reported author of the blog article; he is believed to be located in New Jersey. ¶9. (C) Comment: The fact that President Koroma's statement was so weak, and the fact that he wanted to discuss a travel "itinerary" at this critical stage, do not convey a sense of bold control or leadership. He seems inclined to be reticent while the Foreign Minister and party loyalists launch inflammatory statements. Post will take all safety and security precautions while following the evolution of events in hopes of having a peace pact this week and cancellation of FREETOWN 00000110 002 OF 002 Presidential travel during a perilous period for Sierra Leone's democracy. End Comment. PERRY