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
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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
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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
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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