Congo/Brazzaville: 2005 Country Report

UNCLAS KINSHASA 002049 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/CT RHONDA SHORE, ED SALAZAR AF/C MADEEHA ASHRAF, PLEASE PASS TO NCTC PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER FROM BRAZZAVILLE EMBASSY OFFICE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC KCRM EFIN KHLS CF KAPO SUBJECT: Congo/Brazzaville: 2005 Country Report On Terrorism REF: SECSTATE 193439 ¶1. (SBU) The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) has taken impressive strides in 2005 to strengthen cooperation with both domestic and international partners in the fight against terrorism. Mindful of the Republic of Congo's emerging reputation as an oil-sector heavyweight in the central African region behind Nigeria and Angola, President Sassou-Nguesso and Foreign Minister Adada have, in recent weeks, strongly endorsed and advertised counter-terrorism training received from the Government of South Africa, United Nations Development Program UNDP),and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In a meeting with Charge d'affaires on December 7, President Sassou-Nguesso pledged cooperation with the United States on anti-terrorism issues, stabilization in the Darfor region and brokering peaceful settlements in other conflict areas. ¶2. (SBU) Sassou-Nguesso's primary interest in promoting this enhanced security portfolio is due, in part, to Congo- Brazzaville's elevation to a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2006-2007, and, his widely-rumored accession to the chairmanship of the African Union, replacing Angolan President Edouard dos Santos. This level of international exposure would reassure and encourage the continued return of diplomatic missions and business community to Brazzaville, slowly rebuilding its infrastructure and reputation as the "peaceful Congo" following the ravages of civil war in 1997. ¶3. (U) Republic of Congo military officers recently participated in a Small Arms Suppression (SAS) exercise co- hosted by the Government of South Africa and UNDP, and were briefed on procedures to identify and stop the transfer of arms across border areas. The ICRC conducted a two-week seminar for gendarme, police and other law enforcement officials in early November on the appropriate use of force and on measures to monitor possible criminal or terrorist activities. For its part, Embassy Brazzaville fielded four candidates to attend the December 6-8 seminar in Rabat on the control of radioactive materials, and will send two mid-level officers to the January ACSS course. President Sassou-Nguesso acknowledged these efforts, but has requested stronger MIL-to- MIL cooperation from the United States as its presence is re- established here with ground-breaking for a New Embassy Compound by mid-2006. ¶4. (SBU) Embassy Brazzaville concurs with assessments from western-embassy contacts, ICRC, UNDP and host-government security officials that no evidence exists to identify the Republic of Congo as a safehaven, sanctuary, financial trading center or supporter of any terrorist group or terrorist activities. The relatively small (2-3 percent) Muslim population of Chadian, Malian, Lebanese and Arab traders in Pointe Noire and Brazzaville are well integrated and accepted into Congolese society, and there are no indigenous groups which pose a viable threat to domestic security at this time . ¶5. (U) If further information is required, please contact terrorism reporting officer, Charge d'affaires Mark Biedlingmaier. ¶6. Embassy Brazzaville Office - Biedlingmaier MEECE