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