Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09LIBREVILLE134
2009-04-03 10:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Libreville
Cable title:
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE: TWO SOLDIERS DEAD AFTER
how-toVZCZCXRO8795 OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMA RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO DE RUEHLC #0134 0931054 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 031054Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY LIBREVILLE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1036 INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS LIBREVILLE 000134
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV CASC TP
SUBJECT: SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE: TWO SOLDIERS DEAD AFTER
PERSONAL DISPUTE IN PRIME MINISTER,S COMPOUND
REF: LIBREVILLE 128
UNCLAS LIBREVILLE 000134
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV CASC TP
SUBJECT: SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE: TWO SOLDIERS DEAD AFTER
PERSONAL DISPUTE IN PRIME MINISTER,S COMPOUND
REF: LIBREVILLE 128
1. An apparent personal altercation ended in a fatal shootout
between two soldiers on guard duty at Prime Minister Rapheal
Branco's government compound in the early morning hours of
April 2. In the midst of an argument between the two
soldiers, one soldier shot the other in the chest and was
killed instantly by the wounded soldier's return fire. The
surviving soldier was taken to the hospital, where he later
died from the single gunshot wound. There were no reports of
other injuries. In a public statement, a police spokesman
ruled out any political motivation for the shooting and said
that the incident was apparently the result of an argument
between the two soldiers. An investigation is underway.
2. According to Embassy local employees in Sao Tome, small
numbers of soldiers have been called upon to reinforce police
security at various government buildings since February, when
38 members of the disbanded paramilitary group known as the
Buffaloes were charged with plotting a coup (reftel).
Commander of the Army Idalecio Pachire apologized for the
latest incident and called the loss of life senseless.
REDDICK
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV CASC TP
SUBJECT: SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE: TWO SOLDIERS DEAD AFTER
PERSONAL DISPUTE IN PRIME MINISTER,S COMPOUND
REF: LIBREVILLE 128
1. An apparent personal altercation ended in a fatal shootout
between two soldiers on guard duty at Prime Minister Rapheal
Branco's government compound in the early morning hours of
April 2. In the midst of an argument between the two
soldiers, one soldier shot the other in the chest and was
killed instantly by the wounded soldier's return fire. The
surviving soldier was taken to the hospital, where he later
died from the single gunshot wound. There were no reports of
other injuries. In a public statement, a police spokesman
ruled out any political motivation for the shooting and said
that the incident was apparently the result of an argument
between the two soldiers. An investigation is underway.
2. According to Embassy local employees in Sao Tome, small
numbers of soldiers have been called upon to reinforce police
security at various government buildings since February, when
38 members of the disbanded paramilitary group known as the
Buffaloes were charged with plotting a coup (reftel).
Commander of the Army Idalecio Pachire apologized for the
latest incident and called the loss of life senseless.
REDDICK