THE GAMBIA: TROOP CONTRIBUTIONS TO DARFUR,

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000120 SIPDIS SIPDIS ADDIS ABABA FOR USAU, DAKAR PLS PASS ODC, DAO, AND RAO E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/05/2017 TAGS: PREL MOPS MASS AU GA SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: TROOP CONTRIBUTIONS TO DARFUR, POSSIBLE CHAD/CAR PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D) ¶1. (U) This is an action message -- see para 4. READINESS TO INCREASE DARFUR CONTINGENT -------------- ¶2. (C) In March 2 meeting with Ambassador, Chief of Defense Staff (CHOD) Colonel Lang Tombong Tamba stated that the GOTG was prepared to increase its AMIS troop contingent in Darfur from company to battalion size, on condition that it received assistance in meeting the logistical and equipment requirements of the additional forces that would be deployed. He went on to note, though, that the GOTG had yet to receive a request from the AU to increase its Dafur contingent. Ambassador urged the GOTG to take the initiative by informing the AU of its willingness to expand its contingent and of its support needs; Tamba took this on board. In response to Tamba's query about possible direct U.S. assistance for an expanded Gambian contingent, Ambassador said that while he would inform Washington of the request, he was not in a position to make any commitments on this score. POSSIBLE PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN CHAD/CAR -------------- ¶3. (C) CHOD Tamba went on to disclose that the UN had contacted the GOTG about providing a "reinforced company" of troops for a possible peacekeeping force in Chad/CAR. He said the GOTG had responded in the affirmative, while specifying the need for assistance in meeting the contingent's support needs. Ambassador noted the Gambian army's small (1,000-strong) size and asked about the feasibility of providing an expanded contingent for Darfur as well as a company for a mission in Chad/Car. Tamba responded that, in staffing its peacekeeping contingents, the GOTG did not confine itself to the army, but also drew from other elements in the armed forces, including the 1,000-strong National Guard. COMMENT AND ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶4. (C) In response to our approaches, the GOTG had previously signalled a willingness to consider expanding its Darfur contingent to a battalion, and, judging from Tamba's remarks, is now prepared to make an actual commitment to do so -- provided it receives assistance in meeting the expanded contingent's attendant logistical and equipment requirements. We believe that a modest USG aid package -- for example, dols several hundred thousand in equipment -- to support the deployment of a Gambian battalion in Darfur is worthy of consideration. Pls advise re prospects for such an assistance package. STAFFORD