FREETOWN EAC MEETING MARCH 16, 2009

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000095

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/W, DS/ICI/CI, DS/IP/AF AND DS/IP/ITA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC PREL PTER SL
SUBJECT: FREETOWN EAC MEETING MARCH 16, 2009


1. (SBU) Summary: Ambassador convened the Emergency Action
Committee (EAC) on March 16, 2009 to review the security
situation in Freetown following politically-motivated riots
on March 13 and March 16. The EAC was chaired by the AMB, and
attended by DCM, RSO, POL, MGMT, DAO, CONS, APAO, CLO, and
Legatt. End Summary.


2. (SBU) On March 13, the Sierra Leonean People's Party
headquarters (SLPP) was stoned by a mob of supporters from
the governing all Peoples Congress (APC),and several
vehicles were burned on the compound. Following a relatively
calm weekend, violence resurged on March 16, with APC party
members allegedly resuming their attack on SLPP headquarters
and looting the premises. Reports of gunfire were received by
multiple contacts. The SLP has cordoned off sections of the
downtown area, and all businesses and government buildings in
the vicinity are closed. Threats of violence are rampant,
with journalists and SLPP officials allegedly receiving death
threats from APC supporters, and party members from both
sides in other parts of the country stating their intentions
to take retaliatory action. The Ambassador met with the APC
Foreign Minister to express the need for cessation of party
violence and later met with the SLPP President to reinforce
this message. The UN Executive Representative of the
Secretary General concurred with the Ambassadors
recommendation that the diplomatic corps meet the morning of
March 17th with both parties' leadership.


3. (U) The EAC reviewed post's security posture and
determined:


A. Lungi Airport is still operating on a regular schedule.

B. Embassy is still open to all staff.

C. Local Guard Force, residential and facilities are fully
staffed.

D. Key traffic routes within the city are still open,
although various streets are closed off to both pedestrian
and vehicular traffic near the prison, SLPP headquarters, and
surrounding areas.


4. (U) The EAC decided to:


A. Maintain increased security patrols around residences,
Mission facilities, and vehicle routes used by Mission staff.

B. Issue a warden message advising American citizens to:
avoid political gatherings and the downtown area until the
situation has been ameliorated; exercise general caution; and
respect police blockades and instructions.


5. (U) Post will continue to monitor the situation. At this
time no direct threat to American or Foreign citizens has
occurred.
PERRY