NDJAMENA EAC FOLLOW UP

C O N F I D E N T I A L NDJAMENA 001357 SIPDIS SIPDIS DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/CC C O R R E C T E D COPY (ADDED CLASS INFORMATION) E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2016 TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: NDJAMENA EAC FOLLOW UP REF: NDJAMENA 1355 Classified By: RSO Brad Markwald 1.4 (G) ¶1. (C) On November 25, 2006, the EAC reconvened at 1600 to reassess the reports of the Chadian rebel attacks on Abeche and in the East. Those present were the Ambassador, DCM, DAO, RSO, CONS, POL, ECON, GSO, MGT, MO, POL/MIL. ¶2. (C) US Embassy EAC met previously at 0900 (REFTEL). The situation remains volatile and reports out of Abeche indicate there is no one clear group in control. Both sides are still claiming to be in command of the city. Looting and lawlessness are being reported from several non-government sources located within Abeche. However, international personnel and facilities have not been targeted. International personnel in Abeche will spend the night at the French military base in he city as a precaution. Two reliable Embassy souces in Biltine (75km NE of Abeche) reported rebes had occupied that city. According to their reprts the Chadian Army left the area earlier and thecity was undefended. ¶3. (C) N'djamena remainscalm with normal street activity for a Saturday. eports of troop movements within the city have been received but no government restrictions have been placed on travel. ¶4. (C) The RSO recommended the following actions: - GSO motorpool operations will cease after 9pm. - Americans are strongly urged to avoid all unnecessary travel after dark. - The LGF Rover Patrol and its accompanying Chadian police officer will escort all essential or emergency travel by US Embassy Personnel. - Consider eliminating non-essential TDY travel to Chad. ¶5. (C) The N,djamena EAC agreed that all officers would continue to closely monitor events and meet at 1300 on Sunday, November 26, 2006. An updated All Call Embassy radio message will be sent. ¶6. EAC N,djamena concluded its meeting at 1650 hours. WALL