FOREIGN MINISTER ON GUINEA'S "GIFT FROM HEAVEN"

C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000209 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER) E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/08/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL SNAR SL GV SUBJECT: FOREIGN MINISTER ON GUINEA'S "GIFT FROM HEAVEN" REF: FREETOWN 135 Classified By: Poloff Amy LeMar for reasons 1/4 (b/d) ¶1. (C) On June 5, CDA and Poloff took advantage of a routine meeting with Foreign Minister Zainab Bangura to discuss her views on two key issues impacting Sierra Leone's security: drugs, and Guinea. FoMin expressed some alarm over the threat posed by marijuana cultivation, and then stated her candid views on Dadis Camara and his desire to relinquish his "throne." Despite her low opinion of Dadis Camara, she stated that President Koroma will likely meet with him in July, before the junta becomes an outright pariah in the international community. The purpose of the discussions will be to press for a resolution to the ongoing Yenga border dispute. With increased tensions in Niger, continued instability in Guinea, and organized crime proliferating within and across Sierra Leone's borders, Bangura noted that "the neighborhood is becoming a little bit uncomfortable." ¶2. (C) Bangura opened with a brief discussion on marijuana. Having been briefed by the National Security Council on their most recent assessment of the drug's cultivation (reftel), she stated that marijuana is the leading "crop" in the country, crowding out subsistence and export-oriented agricultural production. Bangura further noted that traffickers are using marijuana as a cover for harder drugs, including cocaine. Informing emboffs that President Koroma is determined to take bold steps to address the problem, she said that a law may be passed to make local councils liable for marijuana cultivation in their districts. It was unclear, however, how that will curb the problem, beyond creating a small disincentive for government officials to take part in either cultivation or distribution. ¶3. (C) The FoMin also expressed her thoughts on the situation in Guinea, stating that she believes Dadis Camara is "too comfortable," and will try to prevent or delay a democratic election. She said that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia shares this view, and that time is quickly running out before Guinea is completely ostracized by the international community. Bangura claimed that Guinea is a very traditional society, in which political leaders are seen as "messiahs" and "gifts from heaven." Clearly indicating that Dadis Camara is undeserving of such labels, she said that his insecurity is obvious and he must be approached cautiously: "pushing him to the wall" will only make him "come back fighting." Despite her concerns surrounding the leader and his junta, she said that President Koroma will initiate a bilateral discussion in July. The focus of the discussion will be the long-standing Yenga border dispute, which the GoSL is afraid will increase in intensity if Dadis Camara feels threatened. ¶4. (C) CDA reminded Bangura that, should the situation in Conakry worsen, AmCits may need to be evacuated to Freetown. He requested assistance should an evacuation take place, and Bangura assured CDA that it would be forthcoming without delay. She provided contact names and numbers, including Ambassador Suma in Conakry (224-66-78-7884/224-63-35-8203), and Solomon Kaikai, based at MFA Headquarters (232-33-717-2155). Should the situation immediately deteriorate, Bangura authorized direct contact with Suma and Kaikai for assistance with Sierra Leonean consular and security assistance on both sides of the border. ¶5. (C) Comment: Bangura is usually an open and verbose interlocutor, and the June 5 meeting was no exception. Her recognition of marijuana as a security threat demonstrates that the situation is garnering attention at the highest levels, though the potential remedy making local councils responsible seems unlikely to succeed. Given the limited fund transfers from central to local governments in the country, and the substantial mandate the local councils already have with respect to providing a minuscule social safety net, their ability to absorb the considerable challenge posed by marijuana cultivation is low. Without a corresponding increase in budget support, which is highly unlikely in the current economic climate, local councils run the risk of being scapegoated if the problem remains unchecked. More power to enforce the country's drug laws could also create an environment in which local leaders, already appearing to run fiefdoms with little central government oversight, can join or increase their complicity in the local drug trade. Bangura's comments on Dadis Camara and the Guinean junta also demonstrate understanding of a potential threat to Sierra Leonean security, but resolution through direct engagement could backfire: bilateral discussions with the junta gives the appearance that the GoSL recognizes its legitimacy, and any agreements made with regard to Yenga are unlikely to be kept by Dadis Camara or a subsequent government. End Comment. FEDZER