CHAD SEEKS RAPID ACTION ON SUDAN TRIBUNAL,

C O N F I D E N T I A L NDJAMENA 000277 SIPDIS STATE FOR S/WCI PROSPER; LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/21/2015 TAGS: KDEM KPKO PHUM PREL CD SU SUBJECT: CHAD SEEKS RAPID ACTION ON SUDAN TRIBUNAL, UNDECIDED ON MODALITY REF: A. NDJAMENA 260 ¶B. PROSPER/WALL EMAIL MESSAGE OF 02/19/2005 ¶C. LIBREVILLE 121 Classified By: Ambassador Marc M. Wall for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Upon receiving ref B (notal),the Ambassador followed up to clarify Chad's views on a Sudan tribunal based on prior statements of support for our position in Libreville on February 11 (ref C). The Ambassador contacted President Deby's Special Advisor Alam-mi Ahmad by telephone February 19 and subsequently conveyed our additional points by an email exchange. On February 21, the Ambassador met with Alam-mi in his office to provide a text with a French translation and discuss the points more thoroughly. Alam-mi had participated in the meeting with President Idriss Deby February 18 (ref A) and was thus fully familiar with the issue. ¶2. (C) In the meeting February 21, the Ambassador observed that many of the concerns raised by President Deby February 18 were related to the capacity of the African Union (AU) to take on responsibilities for a Sudan tribunal. He stressed the United States is determined to assure the AU has the resources for the task. It would work with partners in the United Nations as well as the AU to achieve that. Addressing concerns that the tribunal could become overburdened with cases arising from other African conflicts, the Ambassador underlined the point that for now its mandate would be limited to Sudan, though it could evolve into a permanent AU court in the future if AU members desired. The Ambassador urged Chad to join with other AU members to support the concept of a joint AN/UN tribunal for Sudan. He also asked that, if it is not yet ready to do so, it delay a decision on its position. ¶3. (C) Alam-mi confirmed that Chad is still considering how to assure accountability in Darfur. He said it would decide on its position only in the course of consultations within the AU. He stressed the urgency of rapid action on setting up a tribunal. He referred to a proposal under review to establish a permanent AU court in July. He believed action on Sudan had to start much sooner than that. The Ambassador noted the infrastructure for a Sudan tribunal already exists in Arusha. ¶4. (C) Alam-mi mentioned AU Chairperson Konare's plans to visit to New York. Describing him as the conscience of the AU, Alam-mi said Konare would be key in shaping the AU's position. The Ambassador responded that we understand Konare is favorable toward the idea of a tribunal with a strong AU role (ref B). Alam-mi noted President Obasanjo would carry significant influence as well. Alam-mi promised to share our additional points with President Deby and said it would not be necessary to approach him directly again at this stage. He said that, even if pressed by others, Chad plans to refrain from endorsing any approach while still reviewing its position and consultations within the AU continue. ¶5. (C) Comment: Chad wants a Sudan tribunal, but is not ready to commit on where or how it is established. It will defer to other, more influential AU members on that issue. End Comment. ¶6. (U) Khartoum Minimize Considered. WALL NNNN