N'DJAMENA EAC CONVENE FOR NOV 28

C O N F I D E N T I A L NDJAMENA 001372 SIPDIS SIPDIS DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/CC E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2016 TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: N'DJAMENA EAC CONVENE FOR NOV 28 REF: RSO SPOT REPORT DATED NOV. 25 2006 Classified By: RSO Brad Markwald, reason 1.4g ¶1. (C) On November 28, 2006, the N,djamena EAC convened at 1730 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 in the East is still uncertain with the rebels maintaining positions inside Chad near Abeche, Biltine and Abu Deia. Several sources including an interview with a UFDD spokesman by Reuters reported that a Chadian plane had been shot down. Originally it was described as a fighter plane. A UNHCR source is reported it was a reconaissance plane, and that it indeed was missing. Abeche remains under Chadian Army control and reports indicate the World Food Program was heavily looted. The local government is taking steps to try and recover some of the lost material. A UN security source stated that all of the vehicles in the compound were stolen, making the job of property recovery more difficult. ¶3. (C) Of increasing concern are the numerous reported incidents of lawlessness and violence that have come in to the RSO. Starting last night, unknown Chadian Army soldiers attempted to confiscate several homes. They approached homes that appear unoccupied, threatened the guards with AK-47,s and ordered them to leave. At one residence, a French expat was still home and confronted the soldiers. He too was threatened with a weapon but told them to provide written authority to take his home. They left but did not return. Another residence, located a block away from the Embassy,s GSO compound, was approached in a similar fashion. Again they ordered the guard to leave and then broke in. The house was owned by a French citizen who was out of the country at the time. The Gendarmes responded today and removed the soldiers but only after the home was looted and received significant damage. ¶4. (C) Local police reported to Embassy employees today that a confrontation occurred last night with unknown Chadian soldiers at a location approximately 1 km from the Embassy. The area is known for its bars and discotheques. A shootout occurred and a police officer was killed. It is unknown what caused the confrontation at this time. Reports of vehicle and motorcycle confiscations by the military are widespread. Members of the Chadian police have approached US Embassy employees and complained they are tired and overworked trying to respond to the actions of the uncontrolled soldiers. It is not known if their superiors condone soldiers, actions or if they are simply unable to control them. ¶5. (C) In light of this latest security breakdown, RSO recommended another night of a 2100 hours curfew for Embassy personnel, and to cease all non-emergency travel after dark and avoid, if possible, concentrations of loitering Chadian soldiers. ¶6. EAC N,djamena concluded 1805 hours. It will reconvene tomorrow to again assess the situation and consider additional steps as deemed necessary. WALL