NEW OFFFICE OF DEMOCRACY ISSUES GENERATES ACTION PLAN,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MALABO 000041 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR DRL, AF/C AND AF/RSA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM EK EAID SUBJECT: NEW OFFFICE OF DEMOCRACY ISSUES GENERATES ACTION PLAN, REQUESTS USG ASSISTANCE REF: 3/13 SMITH-ASHRAF EMAIL MALABO 00000041 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. (U) In March CDA met with the Third Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) for Political Affairs, Demetrio Elo Ndong Nsefumu, at DPM's request, to discuss possible US assistance for an Action Plan generated by the recently-created Office of Democracy (OD) within his bureau. The Plan intends to strengthen democracy in Equatorial Guinea by initially concentrating outreach in three main areas: local government, civil society and media. The assistance request is poorly defined, but seeks USG support for implementation of the Plan. Post is cautious about engaging so as not to raise expectations, unless and until it is clear we may be able to offer assistance as requested. Moving to front channel, we again provide an embassy translation of the Plan at para 2 below. Please see ACTION REQUEST at para 3. ¶2. (U) BEGIN TEXT of Action Plan: OD's strategy focuses on consolidating the principles of pluralistic civil institutions linked to the strengthening of democracy and the use of media to educate and sensitize the public about activities of the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea regarding the promotion of democracy and the strengthening of civil institutions. The strategy of the OD is grouped into three programs: PROGRAM 1: LOCAL CORPORATIONS AND DEMOCRACY This program aims to equip local government with conceptual tools to become multipliers of the democratic principles that emanate from the government and constitutional organs. The immediate actions covered are: -- Train provincial governors, government delegates, mayors on the observance of democratic principles as a guarantee of stability and social cohesion. -- Develop "democracy is a dialogue" kits to be distributed among local groups. -- Establishment of a monitoring program to strengthen democracy in local government. PROGRAM 2: CIVIL SOCIETY AND DEMOCRACY This program aims to enhance the role of civil society as an essential element of a functioning democracy; the immediate actions covered are: -- Train civil society organizations on how to enhance their role in maintaining peace and consolidate democracy. -- Develop kits "The Future of Democracy in Equatorial Guinea" to be distributed among the civil society organizations. -- Develop an action plan to boost the role of civil society organizations in promotion of democracy and peace. PROGRAM 3: THE MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY The media plays an essential role in promoting the civic and democratic values; the immediate action is: -- Creation of a TV program to promote the above entitled "Equatorial Guinea: a democratic country." MALABO 00000041 002.2 OF 002 ¶3. (SBU) COMMENT and ACTION REQUEST: Post has received no response to Ref above. While the details of the Action Plan are sketchy, poorly elaborated and possibly heavy-handed, this overture, particularly coming from the Third Deputy Prime Minister (considered by most to be politically conservative -- one of the so-called fossils) is significant and should not be ignored. Via the Mission Strategic Plan process, Post has requested funds to assist in such efforts in out years, but currently has no resident means to engage in assistance. Knowing what we do about the level of general understanding of democratic principles within EG, the Plan's focus on outreach appears well targeted. Success in the effort will require direct assistance to ensure fidelity to the best practices of democratic development. ACTION REQUESTED: In the interest of promotion of democracy in Equatorial Guinea, request Department please respond positively to this request and identify means to assist as soon as possible. ¶4. (SBU) BIO Detail on OD Director Jose ESONO: The drafter of the Action plan and key contact in this effort, Mr. Esono is the recently appointed Director General of the new Office of Democracy Issues. He is a 43 old Fang male from Mongomo (i.e., from President Obiang's tribe and home province) but is seen as a progressive. In the past he has served as a school teacher and civil society activist. He has helped to create a number of local NGOs, to include the AGEDEA, an NGO working to promote and protect the rights of senior citizens. SMITH