DJIBOUTI OFFERS SUDAN PEACEKEEPERS

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 001076 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/20/2017 TAGS: MASS MOPS PK PREL SU DJ SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI OFFERS SUDAN PEACEKEEPERS Classified By: AMB WSSYMINGTON for reasons 1.4 (b),(c),(d) ¶1. (C) The President of Djibouti has instructed his armed forces to prepare for a possible deployment of peacekeeping forces to the Darfur region of Southern Sudan. The size of the proposed force is expected to be a reinforced company of 150-200 troops, including a police or military police platoon trained and outfitted to perform riot control operations. Djibouti's Ambassador to the UN told us that he had conveyed the offer of troops to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations Office. ¶2. (C) Djibouti's military has traditionally focused on internal security and border protection. In order to successfully execute peacekeeping operations, the Armed Forces of Djibouti is likely to request external training and support. Senior Djiboutian military officials have informally expressed their desire for U.S. help. Embassy Djibouti and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa are examining possible mechanisms to provide support for this effort. ¶3. (C) Comment: Djibouti seeks to make a modest contribution to Sudan peacekeeping efforts. With some assistance it may be able to play a helpful role. SYMINGTON