DARFUR: SUDANESE SECURITY SERVICES INTEREST IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 002304 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR A/S FRAZER, NSC FOR COURVILLE AND SHORTLEY E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/19/2026 TAGS: PGOV PREF PHUM KPKO SU AU SUBJECT: DARFUR: SUDANESE SECURITY SERVICES INTEREST IN U.S. EMBASSY PRESENCE Classified By: P/E Chief E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Recently arrived National Security Officer Major Adil Abdul Wahab met with ARC Officer on September 16 to discuss the purpose and structure of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) Implementation Office in El Fasher. Wahab noted that, as National Security Section Chief for International NGOs, International Organizations and Foreigners' Affairs, it was his responsibility to understand the nature of the DPA Office and the U.S. role in it. He remarked that the opening of any such offices should be explicitly authorized through the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) headquarters in Khartoum. ¶2. (C) ARC Officer provided an overview of the DPA Implementation Office, its mission, staffing, development to date, and plans for imminent inauguration. ARC Officer emphasized the fact that the Office is African Union-led and managed, and that the U.S. role is purely advisory, with a particular focus on ensuring that U.S. funding is appropriately spent. ARC Officer assured Wahab that no Embassy office would operate out of the building. ARC Officer further explained that a similar DPA Implementation Office opened August 12 in Khartoum, and that the concept of these offices was both well-known and fully endorsed by the Government, with specific representation made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). ARC officer expressed hope that the Wali and other North Darfur government officials would be able to attend the September 17 opening ceremony. (Note: The Wali did not attend, but sent a representative. End note.) ¶3. (C) Wahab inquired whether the DPA Implementation Office reported to the U.S. Embassy or fell under the authority of the AU. ARC Officer clarified that the Office is an intrinsic part of the AU's DPA Implementation Team structure and reports through the AU chain of command. Wahab conveyed particular interest in the anticipated length of time that the U.S. Embassy would maintain a presence in El Fasher. ARC Officer noted that the Embassy's role is to lend support to the AU and DPA signatories in implementing the peace accord and, as such, the length of time spent in Darfur is difficult to predict. Wahab noted that NISS observed several Embassy vehicles in El Fasher and inquired whether these were supporting the DPA Office. ARC Officer explained that Embassy vehicles (those with CD license plates) were not employed by the DPA Implementation Office, but were for ARC Officer's sole use. ¶4. (C) Comment: The NISS, as well as other Government branches, such as the Humanitarian Afairs Commission (HAC), expressed interest on several occasions in learning more about the U.S. Embassy's role in the DPA Implementation Office and the nature of U.S. Embassy activities in Darfur. Notwithstanding the fact that we have previously explained Embassy aims to numerous Government officials, including the Wali, Deputy Wali, HAC, and MFA, it appears there has been little cross-talk among the various local departments. We have a positive working relationship with the El Fasher NISS staff, which has frequently provided constructive cooperation (e.g., Paul Salopek case). The recent arrival of Wahab, who was previously based in Khartoum, may indicate a growing Sudanese Government imperative to more fully and professionally staff its offices in Darfur, perhaps in parallel with the build-up of military forces in the region. In reference to Wahab's observation regarding Embassy vehicles, it should be noted that HOA officers seconded to AMIS recently acquired two vehicles also with diplomatic plates. The HOA vehicles do not have AMIS markings on them. To date, our interactions with NISS have been amicable and productive, though it clearly harbors some reservations about the U.S. Embassy presence and purpose in Darfur. End Comment. HUME