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

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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."

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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