US embassy cable - 04ACCRA2082

C O N F I D E N T I A L ACCRA 002082 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR REFUGEE AND POLITICAL OFFICERS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/19/2014 
TAGS: PREF, PREL, GH 
SUBJECT: IVORIAN PRESIDENTIAL BODYGUARD SEEKS REFUGEE 
STATUS IN GHANA 
 
Classified By: POLCHIEF SCOTT TICKNOR FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D). 
 
 1.  (C) Five Ivorian presidential bodyguards have applied 
for refugee status in Accra, according to UNHCR sources.  The 
Ivorians reportedly faced threats within Cote d'Ivoire 
because the refused to participate in human rights abuses. 
 
2.  (C)  According to UNHCR, the highest ranking applicant 
for refugee status is Ayehui Richard Kouaho, whose 
responsibilities included training the military police in 
Abidjan.  Kouaho is reportedly well known to the United 
Nations Operations in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOIC).  He managed to 
flee the country with his wife, leaving his children (and 
bank account) behind.  Despite a request from UNHCR, Ghanaian 
authorities have not provided Koaho with police protection, 
fearing that such a move would be perceived as supporting the 
opposition in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire.  Thus, to ensure his 
protection, UNHCR has lodged Kouaho in a safe house for the 
time being and has asked Geneva for authorization for 
emergency resettlement. 
 
3.  (C)  Accra would appreciate any feedback Abidjan can 
provide on Kouaho. 
YATES