THE GAMBIA: HOLIDAY SECURITY ADVISORY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000769 SIPDIS SIPDIS SECSTATE FOR D, P, M, DS, S/CT, CA, INR, AND AF/W; DAKAR PLS PASS RAO E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/22/2016 TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC GA SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: HOLIDAY SECURITY ADVISORY REF: STATE 202078 Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (C AND D) ¶1. (C) In response to reftel, Ambassador convened EAC meeting December 22 to review the security posture of the Embassy and the private Amcit community in advance of the holiday period. On the eve of both major Islamic and Chrisitan holidays, EAC members noted the harmonious relationship between The Gambia's predominantly Muslim population and its Christian minority. EAC members agreed that there were no discernible signs of change in the currently low threat environment here vis-a-vis official and private U.S. interests and that the current security posture remained appropriate. EAC members also concurred that there was no need for issuance of a warden message to the private Amcit community. ¶2. (C) At the same time, there was consensus among EAC members on the need for continued close monitoring of the security environment in The Gambia with a view to adjusting the security posture as warranted. STAFFORD