MADAGASCAR'S TROOP CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE HYBRID OPERATION

UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000646 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR IO/PSC DENNIS HANKINS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E MARIA BEYZEROV SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPKO AU UNSC MASS SU MA SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR'S TROOP CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE HYBRID OPERATION IN DARFUR REF: STATE 089941 ¶1. (SBU) Charge and U.S. Defense Attache met with Madagascar's Minister of Defense Petera Behajaina July 2 to discuss Madagascar's current troop contributions to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and potential contributions to the upcoming UN/AU Hybrid Operations in Darfur. Behajaina affirmed that Madagascar intended to continue providing at least modest numbers to the international peacekeeping efforts in Darfur, but was unwilling to indicate whether the Government of Madagascar would be able or willing to significantly increase its participation. ¶2. (U) Madagascar has 14 peacekeeping observers in Sudan at present and 19 who have recently returned from deployment with AMIS. In addition, 46 personnel have been approved by President Ravalomanana for immediate deployment to Darfur. Those 46 are apparently waiting only on logistics funding (plane tickets) from the AU. In addition, 42 personnel are prepared to participate once the President gives his approval to send them. In total, then, 102 officers are planned for Madagascar's participation in AMIS. ¶3. (SBU) Behajaina estimated that these same troops would be available for the UN/AU Hybrid Operation; however, when pressed to identify any possible increase in numbers, he was unwilling to commit - one way or the other - without approval from President Ravalomanana. He did, however, seek more information to assist in their decision-making process. First, would the troops that are committed need to be fluent in English, or would it be acceptable for fluent French speakers to participate, as this would greatly increase the number of potential candidates? Second, given that the Malagasy military has a "bulge" of mid-level officers, would it be acceptable if most participants came from this cadre? ¶4. (SBU) With respect to equipment and training, Behajaina sought further information on what kind of training would be available. He indicated that Madagascar's troops would need to be completely outfitted for equipment to include communications, medical, personnel gear, and messing equipment/facilities. Additionally, he requested a seminar hosted by a country that has experienced peacekeeping troops to explain the ground realities for peacekeeping in Darfur. This could be a 2-3 day seminar to include operational and legal expectations and constraints. ¶5. (SBU) COMMENT. While Behajaina was unwilling to commit troops without higher authority approval, his questions were entirely pertinent to Madagascar's decision-making. Post has agreed to stay in touch with the Ministry of Defense on these issues as more information becomes available, such as answers to the questions raised in Paragraph Three. At a minimum, however, Madagascar has committed to sustaining its existing, modest presence. END COMMENT. SIBLEY