N'DJAMENA EAC FOR NOV 27, 2006

C O N F I D E N T I A L NDJAMENA 001370 SIPDIS SIPDIS DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/CC E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2016 TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: N'DJAMENA EAC FOR NOV 27, 2006 Classified By: RSO Brad Markwald, reason 1.4g ¶1. (C) On November 26, 2006, the N,djamena EAC convened at 1600 to assess the movements of the Chadian rebels moving west towards N,djamena. Those present were the Ambassador, DCM, DAO, RSO, CONS, POL, ECON, GSO, MGT, MO, POL/MIL. ¶2. (C) The situation remains stable for now as no confirmed movement west could be ascertained. Sources still put the main rebel groups just west of Biltine and Abeche possibly at or near the 20-degree latitude - Much further east than previously reported last night. The EAC concluded that the immediate threat to N,djamena had subsided. However, the rebels are still in the East, and Chadian government sources contend they are working together. Rebel spokesmen are claiming to have captured heavy artillery and munitions in Abeche and declared they still intend to move west towards N,djamena - albeit more cautiously so as to avoid French reconnaissance planes. They claim to have forces in the area of Moussoro as well but DoD personnel in the area are reporting that all is quiet and their Chadian Military counterparts have no reports of rebels near the area. ¶3. (C) Given this information, the RSO recommended a 2100 curfew for Embassy personnel and to cease all non-emergency travel after dark. Embassy management has maintained contact with the international airlines and is updated regularly on the amount of seats available should the situation deteriorate and warrant consideration of an authorized departure. ¶4. (C) Local international organizations are continuing to draw down non-essential personnel. The French Embassy has advised it citizens to be vigilant but has not recommend any more precautionary measures. Tomorrow is a national holiday. All schools and government offices will be closed. ¶5. (C) The Chadian Army (ANT) has been reinforcing the road to Abeche with as many as 15 tanks, heavy weapons and more soldiers. In addition the military perimeter around the capital has been steadily improved all day. ¶6. EAC N,djamena concluded 1630 hours. It will reconvene at 1600 tomorrow to again assess the situation and consider additional steps as deemed necessary. WALL