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