CHAD: FRENCH VIEWS POST-REFERENDUM

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 004755

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/07/2015
TAGS: CD FR PGOV PREL SU
SUBJECT: CHAD: FRENCH VIEWS POST-REFERENDUM

REF: NDJAMENA 1020

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Josiah Rosenblatt for
Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) In a meeting with MFA AF PDAS-equivalent Elisabeth
Barbier on July 1 to discuss various Africa issues, Embassy
Africa watcher raised the situation in Chad after the June 6
referendum. Barbier responded that the MFA was concerned
about the situation and that the French Ambassador to Chad
shared that view. She noted that there were internal
tensions within Chad and that the crisis in Darfur was
destabilizing the region. Regarding the referendum itself,
Barbier agreed that voter turnout had been low, and remarked
that it was mostly the southern parts of Chad that voted
"yes." Barbier added that Deby would remain in France for
medical treatment and recuperation for at least another week.


2. (C) Africa watcher did not/not raise concerns about rebels
in the region around the Sudan border (reftel). If Barbier
was aware of these rebel groups' activities, she did not
volunteer any information.


3. (C) COMMENT: As we have previously reported, France is
unlikely to object should Deby seek to to run for a third
term and prolong his rule. END COMMENT.


4. (U) KHARTOUM MINIMIZE CONSIDERED.
STAPLETON