VZCZCXRO9047
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHRY #0368 1761614
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 251614Z JUN 09
FM AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3788
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000368 
 
SIPDIS 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL ASEC GV
SUBJECT: FORCES VIVES BOYCOTT LATEST DADIS SHOW 
 
¶1. (U) SUMMARY. In an uncharacteristic display of resolve, 
the majority of Guinea's Forces Vives refused to meet with 
CNDD President Moussa Dadis Camara following his convocation 
to a June 23 meeting.  Reportedly outraged after being stood 
up, Dadis attended the meeting which was packed with his 
supporters. However, he was unable to play the crowd in his 
usual manner and was actually booed by students, another 
first. The Forces Vives' refusal to meet with Dadis may 
signal the beginning of a more proactive agenda. END SUMMARY. 
 
 
---------------------------- 
FORCES VIVES BOYCOTT MEETING 
---------------------------- 
 
¶2. (U) On June 23 Guinea's Forces Vives boycotted a meeting 
at the People's Palace called by CNDD President Moussa Dadis 
Camara to discuss the transition. A letter signed by Forces 
Vives spokesperson Jean-Marie Dore stated that while the 
Forces Vives supported Dadis in his transition efforts and 
maintained hope for a new Guinea, they had increasing 
concerns about the transition and would not attend the 
meeting at the People's Palace. Due to its peanut gallery 
atmosphere, the Forces Vives maintained that the People's 
Palace was inappropriate for serious political discussion. 
Just hours before the meeting was to begin, Dadis also 
convoked the diplomatic corps. A handful of diplomats 
attended though none from the U.S. Embassy. Embassy LES who 
was at the meeting, stated that only eighteen political party 
representatives (out of more than 80 parties) were present. 
They,however,were praised by Dadis as patriots. 
 
¶3. (U) Dadis arrived two hours late.  During the wait 
attendees became rowdy, with half the audience chanting, 
"2009 Elections!" and the other half demanding "2010 
Elections!" Dadis strutted in with a cadre of ministers, 
accompanied by more security than normal. Security forces 
patrolling the crowd were overheard to say, "We are willing 
to do anything so this meeting is not disturbed," which was 
taken as a warning against any anti-CNDD taunts. 
 
¶4. (U) Dadis criticized those leaders who had failed to 
attend, but reiterated that his door is open for dialogue. He 
stated that elections are still on track for 2009, but later 
raised the specter of chaos and war if the transition was not 
handled adequately. 
 
----------------------------- 
DADIS UNABLE TO CONTROL CROWD 
----------------------------- 
 
¶5. (U) Most strikingly, Dadis seemed strained and tense and 
was unable to play to the crowd in his usual manner.  Several 
times he called out to the audience, "Listen! Listen! Listen 
- what I have to say is important." Some audience members 
booed Dadis, an unprecedented affront to the CNDD President. 
Almost in desperation, Dadis invoked the patronage of 
Presidents Obama and Sarkozy, saying "Obama supports Guinea" 
and "I owe them a lot of respect." Dadis told the political 
leaders to meet with him within a week, leaving the venue an 
open question. Later that night, Dadis requested that a 
select group of political party leaders meet him at Camp 
Alpha Yaya. They refused. 
 
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COMMENT 
------- 
 
¶6. (U) The refusal of the Forces Vives to meet with Dadis at 
the Palais signals a new chapter in their political 
relationship. After months of grandstanding and fruitless 
discussions, a simple "no" put Dadis on the defensive.  The 
decision by the Forces Vives to boycott the meeting was 
warmly greeted by many on the street who are weary of Dadis' 
antics. The Forces Vives appear to have spoken with one voice 
and made themselves heard. END COMMENT. 
 
RASPOLIC