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