Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
License needed for work use Register

Search

 

Cablegate: Violent Disturbance in Central

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS ABUJA 000389

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE


DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/ITA & DS/IP/FPO
LAGOS FOR RSO


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC NI
SUBJECT: VIOLENT DISTURBANCE IN CENTRAL
ABUJA

1. (SBU) On 20 February 2003, a GON Federal
Task Force entered Area 1 of central Abuja
and attempted to "clean up" the area by
dismantling numerous illegal/unlicensed
shops. Violence quickly erupted between the
unlicensed traders and security forces.
Tires were set ablaze in the street which
temporarily blocked traffic and one
individual was shot and killed by police. An
angry mob attempted to parade the corpse to
a nearby police command but was dispersed by
security forces. The disturbance lasted
approximately two hours before police
restored order.


2. (SBU) Although this incident was not
directed against official U.S. personnel, it
is reported because it occurred only a few
kilometers from the site of the New Embassy
Compound (NEC).


3. (SBU) The GON's dismantling of illegal
and unlicensed shops often spark significant
disturbances within the capital.


JETER

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
UN News: Aid Access Is Key Priority

Among the key issues facing diplomats is securing the release of a reported 199 Israeli hostages, seized during the Hamas raid. “History is watching,” says Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths. “This war was started by taking those hostages. Of course, there's a history between Palestinian people and the Israeli people, and I'm not denying any of that. But that act alone lit a fire, which can only be put out with the release of those hostages.” More

Save The Children: Four Earthquakes In a Week Leave Thousands Homeless

Families in western Afghanistan are reeling after a fourth earthquake hit Herat Province, crumbling buildings and forcing people to flee once again, with thousands now living in tents exposed to fierce winds and dust storms. The latest 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit 30 km outside of Herat on Sunday, shattering communities still reeling from strong and shallow aftershocks. More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.