KOROMA MEETS WITH GUINEAN JUNTA DESPITE POLITICAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000280

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SL GV
SUBJECT: KOROMA MEETS WITH GUINEAN JUNTA DESPITE POLITICAL
RISKS/WARNINGS

REF: A. FREETOWN 184

B. FREETOWN 209

C. CONAKRY 408

Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4 (b/d)


1. (U) On July 13, President Koroma held a bilateral
discussion with Guinean junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara
(reftel C). The Mano River Union Heads of State Summit,
scheduled for July 14, was canceled, but Koroma chose to
speak with Dadis Camara without other Heads of State present.
The likely topic of discussion was the disputed Yenga border
area, according to local media reports published July 16.


2. (C) Koroma's meeting with Dadis is not entirely
unexpected, per reftel B, but was made against the advice of
Ambassador (reftel A). Though the Foreign Minister suggested
in both reftel meetings that it was important for the
Government of Sierra Leone to engage with the junta to
protect their own national security, Ambassador was clear
that diplomatic ties with Guinea will not be normal until a
democratic election takes place. The FoMin appeared to
understand the political and diplomatic risks associated with
a meeting with Dadis, but was convinced that Sierra Leonean
interests would be best served through engagement with the
junta. Ambassador will raise this issue with both the FoMin
(on July 20) and the President as soon as possible, to remind
them that giving Dadis Camara the appearance of legitimacy
undermines international efforts to push for an election and
return to civil power.
PERRY