N'DJAMENA SEEKS APPROVAL FOR REMOTE TDY RESIDENCE

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000191

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DS/IP/AF, DS/SPS/PSD, OBO/AM, OBO/REPM, AF/EX

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC
SUBJECT: N'DJAMENA SEEKS APPROVAL FOR REMOTE TDY RESIDENCE
IN ABECHE



1. (SBU) On February 18, 2007 the US Embassy EAC convened at
0915 to discuss the need to establish a remote residence in
the Eastern Chadian city of Abeche. The purpose of this
residence would be to provide a safe environment for Embassy
personnel who are visiting or on TDY to the region.
Currently, US Government organizations rely almost
exclusively on the UNHCR or other NGO,s to provide a
temporary lodging facility for official USG Tdy,ers to the
area. The prospect of a UN Peacekeeping operation in Eastern
Chad/Darfur would tax all current local resources and
severely constrain the Embassy,s ability to safely work out
of this strategic location. Obtaining a platform with which
to live from and carry on reporting operations will become
increasingly difficult if not impossible once the area
becomes a focal point for peacekeeping and humanitarian aid
projects. This facility would initially be a residence only.
Meetings and other official business would still be conducted
at UN or other NGO facilities. The EAC approved and agreed
that such a facility is necessary for continued USG and
Embassy operations.


2. (SBU) The EAC requests approval from the appropriate
Washington Bureaus in order to continue moving forward.
Several options were discussed as possibilities. They are:

1. A villa or residence would be leased and upgraded
with the necessary security, safety and requirements. This
house would be staffed by US DoS, USAID and DoD TDY personnel
or Embassy personnel visiting and working in the area on a
near continuous basis.

2. Existing space could be leased from the UNHCR
compound and upgraded for habitability. The US Embassy would
hold the rooms or space for its exclusive use but still be
integrated into the UNHCR day to day operations.

3. If a suitable hotel can be located, the US Embassy
could enter into a use agreement contract whereby the hotel
provides accommodations upon notification.


3. (SBU) Upon DS/IP, DS/PSP/PSD, OBO/AM, OBO/REPM and AF/EX
Bureau concurrence, the US Embassy will conduct preliminary
plans to establish this residence and start the procurement,
leasing and security process which will be necessary once a
suitable location is found.
WALL