CHAD: MIXED SIGNALS ON GODBOLD CASE

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000886 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS RABAT FOR LEGATT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER CD LY SUBJECT: CHAD: MIXED SIGNALS ON GODBOLD CASE REF: NDJAMENA 856 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Despite indications that he might be released shortly, seized American missionary Steve Godbold is still in the hands of MDJT rebels in the Tibesti region of Chad. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) On November 8 the Al-Wihda website announced that the MDJT splinter group claiming to hold seized Amcit Steve Godbold had posted a message stating that they intended to release Godbold in the coming days. At a meeting with Deputy Interior Minister Djasnabaille the same day, Djasnabaille informed Charge that he was under the impression that Godbold would soon be released based on an unexpected phone call from MDJT leader Choa Dazi the night before. (Note: As a former member of the opposition, Djasnabaille explained that he previously had contact with Dazi. End not). ¶2. (SBU) Subsequently, however, phone contact with Choa Dazi dropped. The Red Cross has not heard from him, and Godbold's missionary colleagues in N'Djamena have been told that Dazi's Libyan cell phone is no longer being used. Godbold's colleagues do not have any first hand information, but they speculate that Dazi himself may no longer be calling the shots, and that the small group of MDJT rebels holding Godbold deep in the Tibesti are now the lead actors in determining Godbold's fate. If this is the case, Godbold's colleagues believe that these individuals are primarily interested in a ransom. They have also heard through intermediaries that Godbold is depressed and is not eating. If there are no new developments, TEAM (the Evangelical Alliance Mission) may request Red Cross (ICRC) assistance in monitoring Godbold's state of health (if the hostage takers permit). ¶3. (SBU)In a meeting with TEAM members on November 14 we discussed the possible role of Libya in Dazi's apparent change of heart. TEAM members had heard that the quote American request to Libyan authorities for assistance end quote may have spooked Dazi. Charge clarified that we had asked Libyan authorities for information, not assistance and that nothing had been reported back to N'Djamena. TEAM members also informed us that Dazi and possibly others in the group are dual nationals holding French passports. ¶4. (SBU) Godbold's local organization is being assisted by a representative from Crisis Consulting International (CCI), Bob Klamser, scheduled to arrive in Chad on November 15. Charge, RSO and DATT will meet with TEAM and Klamser on November 16. Charge will request a meeting with GOC authorities for an update on the situation and report on any new developments. Comment ¶5. (SBU) Quiet pressure by the Tubu community continues to be seen as the best way to advance Godbold's release, although the MDJT rebels holding him are described as renegades who are less susceptible to community pressure. ¶6. Minimized considered. TAMLYN