Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06NDJAMENA1404
2006-12-07 20:10:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Ndjamena
Cable title:
UN DRAWDOWN IN EASTERN CHAD
how-toVZCZCXRO9531 RR RUEHMA RUEHROV DE RUEHNJ #1404/01 3412010 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 072010Z DEC 06 FM AMEMBASSY NDJAMENA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4670 INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE RUEHGI/AMEMBASSY BANGUI 1265 RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME 0153 RUEHYD/AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE 1430 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0882 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0937
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NDJAMENA 001404
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PARIS AND LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS, ROME FOR UN MISSION
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PREF PGOV SU CD
SUBJECT: UN DRAWDOWN IN EASTERN CHAD
NDJAMENA 00001404 001.2 OF 002
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NDJAMENA 001404
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PARIS AND LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS, ROME FOR UN MISSION
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PREF PGOV SU CD
SUBJECT: UN DRAWDOWN IN EASTERN CHAD
NDJAMENA 00001404 001.2 OF 002
1. (SBU) Summary. The UN convoked donors and UN agencies to
describe the deteriorating security situation in eastern Chad
and steps the UN has taken to protect staff and ensure the
delivery of essential services. Refugee camps in northern
Chad are essentially being run by refugee committees with
intermittent visits from UN staff. The 90,000 Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs),less able to run on "auto-pilot,"
require presence of UN and NGO workers to deliver essential
services. It is estimated that under current circumstances
food, fuel and water will be available for about two months.
After moving out non-essential staff, the UN reports that
approximately 300 staff (including NGO partners) would need
to leave in the event of a full evacuation. UNHCR Director
stressed that "no one has been abandoned;" while they
recognize the vulnerability of the refugee camps, so far the
food and fuel at the camps has not been the target of rebels
or other marauders and essential services continue. End
summary.
2. (U) The UNDP Resident Representative and the Head of UN
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) briefed donors and
representatives of other UN agencies on December 7 concerning
the deteriorating situation in eastern Chad and the steps
which the UN has taken to protect safe and safeguard
essential services for refugees and IDPs.
UNSTABLE AND VOLATILE
--------------
3. (U) UN Security Officer Idriss Mbaye described the
current "unstable and volatile" security situation in eastern
Chad where an accelerating deterioration in security has
taken place since the end of November 2006. He recalled the
taking of Abeche for 24 hours by the rebel group UFDD, the
subsequent looting of UN property and humanitarian goods and
further tentative movements of Chad rebels towards Ati and
Moussoro On December 1 rebels attacked Guereda and then
retreated to the border town of Koulbous. In Guereda, armed
men forced their way into the UN compound, threatened staff
at gunpoint, and stole two vehicles. Presently, according to
Mbaye, the UN believed that Am Zoer was under the control of
the UFDD and that Biltine had been retaken by the UFDD as
well. Mbaye noted that on the Sudan side of the border, both
Koulbous and Al Fasher were currently experiencing extreme
instability. Movement of troops and locals indicated that
there may be some activity in the Goz Beida area. And
finally, there was a concern that Central African Republic
(CAR) rebels might infiltrate into Chad. Mbaye commented
that UFDD and RAFD appeared to be working together; it was
clear that the ultimate goal was N'djamena.
4. (U) UNDP Resident Representative Kingsley Amaning repeated
that the situation had deteriorated rapidly. In an interview
with President Deby, the President had told him that the
rebels had between 5,000 - 6,000 men, and 400-500 vehicles.
According to Amaning, the rebels were here to stay -- they
were not returning to Sudan. The UN, NGOs, Chadian army,
Chadian rebels, Sudanese rebels and Chadian IDB were now all
occupying the same perilous zone. Amaning thanked the
Embassy of France for permitting UN and NGO partners to stay
in the French base during the last attack on Abeche. He
explained that the UN intended to continue working, but
sought to minimize the exposure of UN staff and assets.
Accordingly, the UN had moved to level IV security in the
East, and level III security in N'djamena.
REFUGEE COMMITTEES IN CHARGE
--------------
5. (U) UNHCR Director Serge Male explained that UNHCR was
drawing down to essential staff so as to reduce its footprint
in the event of a full evacuation. He noted that some 250 UN
and NGO workers had been trapped in Guereda during the recent
fighting December 1, and the aim was to avoid a similar
situation. But no one will be abandoned. The UN will focus
on the essential activities, which are protection, food,
water and sanitation. As Guereda, Iriba and Bahai were
deemed the most vulnerable security-wise, UNHCR is leaving a
skeleton staff and has instructed partners to focus on the
essential sectors only. Core staff from Abeche were flying
out for 24-hour visits to provide support, but essentially
refugee committees were running the camps -- including food
and fuel distribution. Male commented that the December 4
food distribution had been performed successfully. WFP
NDJAMENA 00001404 002.2 OF 002
Representative Bamezon stated that there were stocks in
transit to guarantee sufficient food for the camps for
January. Libyan truckers were continuing to bring food down
through Libya for the time being. However, WFP, which lost
some 489 metric tons of looted commodities in Abeche
(destined for school feeding),has suspended its development
activities in eastern Chad and canceled or postponed all
non-essential field missions.
6. (U) Concerning President Deby's message on the need to
move the refugee camps, Male explained that the UN agreed in
theory. However, suitable sites still needed to be found;
the refugees would need to accept such a move, and the move
would need to be financed.
IDPs -- GROWING - AND VULNERABLE
--------------
6. (U) Male explained that while the camps were, to a
certain extent, able to operate on "auto-pilot", IDPs were
not, and therefore they had kept some UN/NGO partners with
the IDP groups. IDPs now numbered 90,000 according to Male
and donors would be receiving a new appeal before Christmas
for their support. Male called the population in the east
bitter and demoralized. Dadjos were particularly targeted.
The UN was being told by locals that Arabs have come asking
them to join in raids of their neighbors. They refuse, but
are then the victims of raids themselves. UNHCR reports
continue to chronicle Arab militia attacks on small village
in Dar Silla, leaving scores dead and forcing hundreds to
flee -- mostly to the Goz Beida area. UNDP Res Rep Amaning
noted that it appeared to be more than coincidence that rebel
attacks were often preceded by Arab militia raids. Amaning
also noted that the UN had not eliminated the possibility of
negotiating with whoever is there to ensure access to
humanitarian space.
INTERNATIONAL FORCE
--------------
7. (U) In response to the Ambassador's question on an
international force on the border, Amaning responded that
they did not know what kind of force it would be. Would it
be dissuasive only? Would it interpose itself between
warring sides? He emphasized that any force needed to be
perceived by all sides as neutral. It also needed to be
strong, and be able to guarantee humanitarian space. The
African Union Ambassador asked if it was envisioned placing
this force without the political support of all parties (i.e.
Sudan)? Amaning responded that Sudan had already said that
it did not want a force next door; but if the UN agreed, and
Chad accepted, then it could be placed regardless of Sudan's
position. But of course, he added, it was preferable to have
unanimity on the question.
8. (U) Commenting on the deteriorating political situation,
and the perspective of donors, the French Embassy Deputy
commented that if Sudan continued to support the rebels, the
situation would continue. If Sudan ceased to support the
rebels, the situation would not continue.
UN CONTINGENCY PLANNING
--------------
9. (U) Both the UN and WFP have established alternate command
centers in Cameroon, and reported that they would be able to
use UN planes currently operating in Sudan if the situation
took a turn for the worse and widespread evacuation was
necessary. 41 international staff are left in Abeche, 90 in
N'djamena. Humanitarian NGO partners in the region number
140. In the event of a full evacuation, the UN would be
taking about approximately 300 staff members.
COMMENT
--------------
10. (SBU) The UN considers that the most likely scenario is
far more attacks by rebel groups inside the country leading
to a breakdown in government control and increased
insecurity. They are planning accordingly.
11. (U) Tripoli minimize considered.
WALL
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
PARIS AND LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS, ROME FOR UN MISSION
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PREF PGOV SU CD
SUBJECT: UN DRAWDOWN IN EASTERN CHAD
NDJAMENA 00001404 001.2 OF 002
1. (SBU) Summary. The UN convoked donors and UN agencies to
describe the deteriorating security situation in eastern Chad
and steps the UN has taken to protect staff and ensure the
delivery of essential services. Refugee camps in northern
Chad are essentially being run by refugee committees with
intermittent visits from UN staff. The 90,000 Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs),less able to run on "auto-pilot,"
require presence of UN and NGO workers to deliver essential
services. It is estimated that under current circumstances
food, fuel and water will be available for about two months.
After moving out non-essential staff, the UN reports that
approximately 300 staff (including NGO partners) would need
to leave in the event of a full evacuation. UNHCR Director
stressed that "no one has been abandoned;" while they
recognize the vulnerability of the refugee camps, so far the
food and fuel at the camps has not been the target of rebels
or other marauders and essential services continue. End
summary.
2. (U) The UNDP Resident Representative and the Head of UN
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) briefed donors and
representatives of other UN agencies on December 7 concerning
the deteriorating situation in eastern Chad and the steps
which the UN has taken to protect safe and safeguard
essential services for refugees and IDPs.
UNSTABLE AND VOLATILE
--------------
3. (U) UN Security Officer Idriss Mbaye described the
current "unstable and volatile" security situation in eastern
Chad where an accelerating deterioration in security has
taken place since the end of November 2006. He recalled the
taking of Abeche for 24 hours by the rebel group UFDD, the
subsequent looting of UN property and humanitarian goods and
further tentative movements of Chad rebels towards Ati and
Moussoro On December 1 rebels attacked Guereda and then
retreated to the border town of Koulbous. In Guereda, armed
men forced their way into the UN compound, threatened staff
at gunpoint, and stole two vehicles. Presently, according to
Mbaye, the UN believed that Am Zoer was under the control of
the UFDD and that Biltine had been retaken by the UFDD as
well. Mbaye noted that on the Sudan side of the border, both
Koulbous and Al Fasher were currently experiencing extreme
instability. Movement of troops and locals indicated that
there may be some activity in the Goz Beida area. And
finally, there was a concern that Central African Republic
(CAR) rebels might infiltrate into Chad. Mbaye commented
that UFDD and RAFD appeared to be working together; it was
clear that the ultimate goal was N'djamena.
4. (U) UNDP Resident Representative Kingsley Amaning repeated
that the situation had deteriorated rapidly. In an interview
with President Deby, the President had told him that the
rebels had between 5,000 - 6,000 men, and 400-500 vehicles.
According to Amaning, the rebels were here to stay -- they
were not returning to Sudan. The UN, NGOs, Chadian army,
Chadian rebels, Sudanese rebels and Chadian IDB were now all
occupying the same perilous zone. Amaning thanked the
Embassy of France for permitting UN and NGO partners to stay
in the French base during the last attack on Abeche. He
explained that the UN intended to continue working, but
sought to minimize the exposure of UN staff and assets.
Accordingly, the UN had moved to level IV security in the
East, and level III security in N'djamena.
REFUGEE COMMITTEES IN CHARGE
--------------
5. (U) UNHCR Director Serge Male explained that UNHCR was
drawing down to essential staff so as to reduce its footprint
in the event of a full evacuation. He noted that some 250 UN
and NGO workers had been trapped in Guereda during the recent
fighting December 1, and the aim was to avoid a similar
situation. But no one will be abandoned. The UN will focus
on the essential activities, which are protection, food,
water and sanitation. As Guereda, Iriba and Bahai were
deemed the most vulnerable security-wise, UNHCR is leaving a
skeleton staff and has instructed partners to focus on the
essential sectors only. Core staff from Abeche were flying
out for 24-hour visits to provide support, but essentially
refugee committees were running the camps -- including food
and fuel distribution. Male commented that the December 4
food distribution had been performed successfully. WFP
NDJAMENA 00001404 002.2 OF 002
Representative Bamezon stated that there were stocks in
transit to guarantee sufficient food for the camps for
January. Libyan truckers were continuing to bring food down
through Libya for the time being. However, WFP, which lost
some 489 metric tons of looted commodities in Abeche
(destined for school feeding),has suspended its development
activities in eastern Chad and canceled or postponed all
non-essential field missions.
6. (U) Concerning President Deby's message on the need to
move the refugee camps, Male explained that the UN agreed in
theory. However, suitable sites still needed to be found;
the refugees would need to accept such a move, and the move
would need to be financed.
IDPs -- GROWING - AND VULNERABLE
--------------
6. (U) Male explained that while the camps were, to a
certain extent, able to operate on "auto-pilot", IDPs were
not, and therefore they had kept some UN/NGO partners with
the IDP groups. IDPs now numbered 90,000 according to Male
and donors would be receiving a new appeal before Christmas
for their support. Male called the population in the east
bitter and demoralized. Dadjos were particularly targeted.
The UN was being told by locals that Arabs have come asking
them to join in raids of their neighbors. They refuse, but
are then the victims of raids themselves. UNHCR reports
continue to chronicle Arab militia attacks on small village
in Dar Silla, leaving scores dead and forcing hundreds to
flee -- mostly to the Goz Beida area. UNDP Res Rep Amaning
noted that it appeared to be more than coincidence that rebel
attacks were often preceded by Arab militia raids. Amaning
also noted that the UN had not eliminated the possibility of
negotiating with whoever is there to ensure access to
humanitarian space.
INTERNATIONAL FORCE
--------------
7. (U) In response to the Ambassador's question on an
international force on the border, Amaning responded that
they did not know what kind of force it would be. Would it
be dissuasive only? Would it interpose itself between
warring sides? He emphasized that any force needed to be
perceived by all sides as neutral. It also needed to be
strong, and be able to guarantee humanitarian space. The
African Union Ambassador asked if it was envisioned placing
this force without the political support of all parties (i.e.
Sudan)? Amaning responded that Sudan had already said that
it did not want a force next door; but if the UN agreed, and
Chad accepted, then it could be placed regardless of Sudan's
position. But of course, he added, it was preferable to have
unanimity on the question.
8. (U) Commenting on the deteriorating political situation,
and the perspective of donors, the French Embassy Deputy
commented that if Sudan continued to support the rebels, the
situation would continue. If Sudan ceased to support the
rebels, the situation would not continue.
UN CONTINGENCY PLANNING
--------------
9. (U) Both the UN and WFP have established alternate command
centers in Cameroon, and reported that they would be able to
use UN planes currently operating in Sudan if the situation
took a turn for the worse and widespread evacuation was
necessary. 41 international staff are left in Abeche, 90 in
N'djamena. Humanitarian NGO partners in the region number
140. In the event of a full evacuation, the UN would be
taking about approximately 300 staff members.
COMMENT
--------------
10. (SBU) The UN considers that the most likely scenario is
far more attacks by rebel groups inside the country leading
to a breakdown in government control and increased
insecurity. They are planning accordingly.
11. (U) Tripoli minimize considered.
WALL