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


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