CHAD:DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST DANISH CARTOONS

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000210 SIPDIS SIPDIS PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER, DEPARTMENT FOR CA/OSC/ACS,/DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA AND AF/C E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASCR CD SUBJECT: CHAD:DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST DANISH CARTOONS ¶1. At approximately 0800 on February 11, 2006 a group of 3,000 Chadians gathered at the Grand Mosque, located approximately 2 miles from the U.S. Embassy, to protest the Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed. The group proceeded to the parade ground in front of the Presidential Palace. After presenting a petition to a representative of the government (the Minister for Territorial Administration) the group dispersed into smaller groups composed reportedly of youths and "hardliners." These headed towards the French Embassy, the American Embassy and other points. French Embassy reported to DCM that the police effectively blocked the protesters from the perimeter of the Embassy but evidence of stones and other debris could be seen in front of the Embassy later that day. The French also reported that some French residences were stoned. Chadian police escorted children of European nationals home from the French School. ¶2. Other groups headed towards Avenue Charles de Gaulle, the main shopping street frequented by Westerners and other expatriates. There three cars belonging to expatriates (identified by having green diplomatic plates) were burned and ten cars were lightly damaged. A Scottish missionary was pulled from her car (which was subsequently looted and burned) but was not personally harmed. No Americans were harmed. Some Americans reported that they were warned by Chadians to avoid areas of demonstration. ¶3. The Embassy learned of the planned demonstration by word of mouth and issued an All Call message via the radio system the evening of Friday, February 10. A warden message was released via e-mail and text message the morning of February 11 urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors until the situation calmed down. The Chadian riot police set up barricades on both ends of the street in front of the Embassy to deter people from gathering there. Around 1000 police began using tear gas to disperse the crowds, and by approximately 1200 the situation in the city had returned to normal, although Americans were urged to use caution and avoid large groups of people. ¶4. Post convened the EAC on February 13 to review the security posture and concluded that the current posture is appropriate. WALL WALL