CHAD: BRINGING PEACE CORPS BACK

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000801 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO PEACE CORPS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PGOV PHUM CD SUBJECT: CHAD: BRINGING PEACE CORPS BACK REF: SECSTATE 89287 ¶1. (SBU) Peace Corps is to my mind the single most effective U.S. Government-funded program in Chad. Now that the Department of State has authorized the lifting of Authorized Departure status (reftel),Peace Corps's suspension should be reconsidered as well. Peace Corps volunteers are already sorely missed in Chadian communities where they were teachers, role models and windows into the outside world for a nation profoundly isolated by geography and poverty. ¶2. (SBU) There is no denying that Chad continues to be prone to instability. As we have noted in our cables to Washington, the political consensus that has prevailed in Chad since the accession of Idriss Deby Itno to power in 1990 is a fragile one, and we cannot eliminate the possibility of an irregular change in power. However, neither palace tussles in N'djamena, nor rebels lurking in unpoliced border areas necessarily constitute threats to Americans. Over the last year, Chad experienced border incursions and battles, possibly one attempted coup d'etat and a failed attempt on N'djamena. Yet in none of these situations were international flights canceled, roads blocked or Americans in any way directly threatened. In fact, in most parts of Chad, these events were only distant rumors that barely touched, or were even noticed in, the daily lives of most people. ¶3. (SBU) Previous volunteers have served in areas relatively close to N'djamena. Although roads and communications (particularly cell phone coverage) slowly continue to improve in Chad, we would encourage a similar strategy for future volunteers. As in many developing countries, poor sanitation and hygiene practices and precarious local transportation are probably the largest daily challenges for the volunteers' well-being. ¶4. (SBU) Americans are warmly welcomed in Chad. The positive image and tangible assistance that Peace Volunteers have provided over the years contribute to that welcome. I strongly believe that Peace Corps should return to Chad as soon as possible and pledge the support of my mission to facilitating their return. Action must be taken quickly to allow for the program to start by September when the 2006/2007 Chadian school year starts. WALL