US embassy cable - 05MAPUTO833

UNCLAS MAPUTO 000833 
 
SIPDIS 
STATE FOR DS/IP/AF; DS/CC; DS/DSS/ITA; AF/S 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC, MZ 
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION FOR SUPPORT AGAINST POVERTY IN AFRICA 
 
1. A demonstration was held in downtown Maputo on Saturday, 
July 2, 2005 to show support for efforts to fights poverty in 
Africa. 
 
2. On Thursday, June 30, 2005, an unidentified man was 
interviewed on STV, a local television station. The man 
stated he was organizing a demonstration to be held at the 
U.S. Embassy on either July 1 or July 12. The purpose of the 
demonstration was to ask the U.S. to increase aid spent on 
the war against poverty in Africa. Contact with the local 
police revealed no demonstration permits applied for by 
anyone for any purpose. 
 
3. On Friday, July 1, 2005, at approximately 1500, the 
police notified the RSO FSNI that a permit had been granted 
for a march and demonstration to be held at 0800, Saturday, 
July 2 for the purposes stated in paragraph 2. The march was 
to start at a downtown square and end at the Embassy. RSO 
contacted the Diplomatic Police for extra police coverage, 
the local guard company for additional guards at the embassy, 
and the British and Canadian High Commissions in case the 
march was related to the Live Aid concert to be given in 
London on the same day. In addition, the cascade system was 
put into effect to notify all Mission employees of the 
potential route, times, and purpose of the march and 
demonstration and to advise of security measures to be taken. 
 
4. At 0830, Saturday, July 2, extra police arrived at the 
U.S. Embassy. At 0930, seven (7) demonstrators gathered at 
Worker's Square near the railway station in downtown Maputo, 
approximately 3 miles from the U.S. Embassy. The 
demonstrators were attempting to gather support for their 
cause before marching to the U.S. Embassy. Twenty (2) police 
were at the scene. At 1130, no demonstrators remained and 
all police were dismissed. The marchers never left the 
square. 
 
5. Police will notify the RSO immediately if anyone applies 
for another permit for a demonstration and/or march against 
the U.S.Embassy. 
Dudley