Local Press Account Alleges CIA Is Studying

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000808 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/SPG DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL SOCI AL US SU SUBJECT: Local Press Account Alleges CIA Is Studying Darfur ¶1. On March 30, pro-government Arabic daily Al-Intibaha published an article claiming that the CIA was active in Darfur to study its geography in advance of intelligence and military operations. ¶2. The text of the article per unofficial Embassy translation is as follows: (Begin text) CIA AGENTS SNEAKED INTO DARFUR TO STUDY THE NATURE OF THE TRIBES AND THE GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION Special sources conveyed to Al-Intibaha that a dangerous infiltration process by CIA agents is taking place in Darfur region. The purpose of the infiltration is to create a state of security unrest to pave the way for intelligence and military operations that serve the international forces get in Darfur and support the rebels. The information discloses that the CIA agents were deployed under the umbrella of humanitarian affairs in different locations in Darfur region, especially in south, central, and east Darfur. This is done purposefully to make a topographic survey of the region as well as the norms and behaviors of the tribes there in order to create disputes among those tribes; also, how to find a way to recruit the sons of the hostile tribes to join hands with the rebels. The purpose also is to create a state of panic upon the arrival of the international forces and spread rumors that such forces cannot be resisted. The information also says that there are already 16 of these agents in Darfur, two of them are in Ed Dein area and they are black. The same information states that the agents were trained and well prepared. Reliable sources disclosed that humanitarian organizations are used as cover for the international intelligence agencies activities in Darfur, and that the current sedition and war are the making of these agencies. A leading NCP member stated that the movements of the aliens (foreigners) and the American CIA agents in South Darfur State have been identified and were not able to achieve any success because of the solidarity of the internal front. (End text) STEINFELD