MOROCCAN CONTINGENT IN ONUCI ACCUSED OF SEXUAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABIDJAN 000781 SIPDIS SIPDIS IO FOR O'DELL USUN FOR TRASTYMAN, MORRIS AF FOR BITTRICK, BANKS, PLUMB E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2017 TAGS: KPKO PREL UNSC IV SUBJECT: MOROCCAN CONTINGENT IN ONUCI ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ABUSE; BATTALION CONFINED TO BARRACKS; "FLAME OF PEACE" CEREMONY AFFECTED REF: ABIDJAN 745 Classified By: Acting PolEconChief EMassinga, Reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) The United Nations Operations in Cote d'Ivoire (ONUCI) made a surprise announcement on Friday, July 20 that the entire 732-strong Moroccan battalion would be confined to barracks due to a number of allegations of sexual misconduct with minors by Moroccan troops. The announcement did not specify the numbers of troops under investigation nor provide details on the allegations, but the impact on ONUCI's effectiveness, given the Moroccans are widely considered perhaps the most effective and well-equipped, has been immediate. The contingent, ONUCI's second largest, has been confined to barracks, a particularly difficult decision given the upcoming "Flame of Peace" ceremony scheduled for Monday, July 30th that will see up to eight African leaders, President Gbagbo, Prime Minister Soro and a host of other dignitaries. ¶2. (C) The decision took Abidjan by surprise. The announcement hit the media on Saturday via a terse statement read by ONUCI's spokesman. Human rights groups immediately denounced the presumed acts, while the Moroccan contingent commander was quoted as saying the collective punishment was excessive. Demonstrating the initial lack of clarity surrounding the decision, a well-placed ONUCI source told Emboff that the Moroccan battalion would be able to perform its regular duties but not be allowed liberty in Bouake, but was contradicted by numerous press reports that indicated the contrary, that at most the Moroccans would be given marginal duties at the fringes of the ceremony and its place would be taken largely by Ghanaians, Bangladeshis and others ONUCI units. ¶3. (C) The UN's special unit charged with investigating sexual exploitation is formally in charge of the investigation (reftel),and has had a team on the ground since before the announcement was made (Note: Emboff expressed dismay at learning of the widespread nature of the allegations several weeks after discussing the issue with ONUCI human rights and code of conduct officers in charge of the sexual exploitation policy (reftel). End Note). ONUCI sources say the investigation is out of their hands, and that NY wanted to "get ahead of the curve" by having the UN appear to take charge of the situation. Emboff was told that while the public allegations center on unnamed members of the Moroccan unit, "the investigation extends beyond them." ¶4. (C) The media coverage of the allegations was initially extensive, but fell off the front page its second day. Top concerns new relate to the "Flame of Peace" ceremony. The Moroccans are based in Bouake and would normally be a centerpiece to ONUCI's security efforts. Some observers find the appearance of these charges immediately prior to this highly symbolic event unsettling, especially as some rumors have it that the allegations stem from events as long as two years ago. Adding to the anxiety are news reports (AFP) from July 24 indicating that Burkina Faso is indeed sending up to 150 troops to Cote d'Ivoire ostensibly to join ONUCI, but more realistically to provide added heft (and President Compaore's personal guarantee) to PM Soro's security cordon. HOOKS