TENSIONS MOUNTING IN GOZ BEIDA

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 001433

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PREF SU PGOV CD
SUBJECT: TENSIONS MOUNTING IN GOZ BEIDA


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: As UNHCR prepares for the High
Commissioner's visit to IDP camps near Goz Beida, there are
a number of reports of Janjaweed activity in the vicinity;
the Chadian military and local self-defense militia appear
to be reinforcing their elements for a possible defense.
UNHCR expects that 9,000 new IDPs may be created as a result
of expected violence. End Summary.

- - - - - - - - - - - -
IDPs, REFUGEE MOVEMENTS
- - - - - - - - - - - -


2. (SBU) In the middle of preparations for the visit of the
UN High Commissioner for Refugees to the refugee camps in
the Goz Beida area, threats of Janjaweed attacks are causing
population displacements and the Chadian military and local
self-defense militia (Toroboro) appear to be reinforcing
their elements for a possible defense. IDPs from the village
of Habile have reportedly entered the Goz Amer camp and are
living with the refugee populations out of security
concerns. Violence is on the upswing. UNHCR reports that
10 refugees have gone missing in the past few days, and four
refugees were reportedly killed in local conflicts (the
reason for death is unclear). Poloff visited the hospital
in Goz Beida, and encountered two individuals who claimed to
be seriously injured by Janjaweed militias after refusing to
hand over their cattle, and a CNAR local official who was
shot in the hand by unknown assailants.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
JANJAWEED SIGHTINGS, CHADIAN MILITARY FORTIFYING
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


3. (SBU) While the Koukou refugee camp was calm on the
afternoon of December 18, Poloff and UNHCR observed five
Chadian national army (ANT) vehicles with heavily armed
soldiers going from Goz Beida to Koukou. There were reports
that between 500-1,000 armed individuals on camels (being
identified as Janjaweed militia) are in the vicinity of
Koukou. Janjaweed militia was also seen approximately 100
meters from the InterSOS clinic in the Goz Amer camp. ANT
officials are asserting to the UN that the Janjaweed are
supported by the Sudanese government in an attempt to
destabilize the region and pave the way for "pan-
arabization" of Chad and surrounding countries.


4. (SBU) With reports of Janjaweed movements coming closer
to Goz Beida, UNHCR and NGO staff are bracing for a
Janjaweed attack on the town, although the motives for such
an attack are not clear. The village of Enedif, close by to
Goz Beida, has been emptied out after reports of Janjaweed
movement in the area. ANT elements, as well as local
Toroboro militias, are reportedly fortifying the area to
defend it from a potential Janjaweed attack. While there is
no apparent presence from the JEM/NRF, there are unconfirmed
reports the JEM/NRF are integrated into the ANT.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
UNHCR PLANS FOR GUTERRES VISIT, IDP SURGES
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


5. (SBU) The UNHCR advance team intends to travel to Koukou
camp December 19 prepare for UNHCR Guterres' visit. Should
the camp be too insecure, UNHCR will take the High
Commissioner to the Djabal camp. UNHCR expects that 9,000
new IDPs may be created as a result of expected violence.
- - - -
COMMENT
- - - -


6. (SBU) The Government of Chad (GOC) response to the
threat of Janjaweed violence in the Goz Beida area
represents a new wrinkle in the troubled border area.
Previous Janjaweed predations have met with limited (if any)
GOC defense. Wall