RETURN OF DJIBOUTI'S FOREIGN MINISTER

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000443

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF AND AF/E
LONDON/PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV DJ
SUBJECT: RETURN OF DJIBOUTI'S FOREIGN MINISTER

REF: DJIBOUTI 135


1. (U) Djibouti's Foreign Minister Ali Abdullah Farah
returned to Djibouti May 1 directly from Paris, where he had
been receiving treatment since a stroke at his office in
Djibouti on February 9. News photos and footage of his
disembarkment from the plane revealed a vigorous Foreign
Minister with no visible effects of his illness.


2. (U) On May 5, the heads of diplomatic missions in
Djibouti, led by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Eritrean
Ambassador Mahmoud Ali Jabra, called formally on the minister
to welcome him back and wish him well. We found him in
excellent form, fully able to correspond with no signs of
paralysis or permanent damage. He had lost considerable
weight and told Ambassador he would not return immediately to
his position but would recuperate a bit longer in Djibouti
prior to resuming his duties. We note than Farah was present
for the presidential inauguration but that Mahmoud Ali
Youssouf, retains his capacity as Acting Foreign Minister.
Youssouf will accompany President Guelleh for talks in Brazil
and in Washington.
RAGSDALE