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

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