ADDIS ABABA EAC MEETS TO DISCUSS CONTINUED THREAT

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 003083 SENSITIVE DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/SPC/MSG, DS/CC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: ADDIS ABABA EAC MEETS TO DISCUSS CONTINUED THREAT OF TERRORIST ATTACKS REF: A. ADDIS ABABA 003065 ¶B. ADDIS ABABA 003050 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On November 12, 2008 the Addis Ababa EAC convened to discuss the continued heightened security posture of the Government of Ethiopia (GOE). Ambassador remarked that the security arrangements are unprecedented. Ambassador and staff will meet again with the police and security, and will work with Washington on a public announcement and warden message on the growing security precautions being taken by the GOE. Members present include: Ambassador, DCM, CLO, CDC, CON, MGMT, PAO, DAO, OBO, POL/ECON, RSO, USAID, ORA and the United States Mission to the African Union. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) On November 12, 2008 the Addis Ababa EAC convened to discuss the heightened security posture of the Government of Ethiopia (GOE)in response to intelligence reports of potential threats of terrorist attacks, specifically in Addis Ababa. RSO briefed EAC that GOE continued to maintain an increased security posture in Addis Ababa. While there is no specific threat information, the GOE is sufficiently concerned that it held a special meeting yesterday of security offices to detail preparations for disrupting a potential attack. Thus far, it remains unclear the method, timing or possible targets of any potential attack. Post continues to monitor the security situation, review travel and implement restrictions as required. Actions to be Taken: ¶3. (SBU) Cancellation of events: COM, in agreement with the DCM, RSO and other members of the team, decided to cancel the venue for the Marine Ball at a hotel without sufficient security. Due to the decision, the Ball was not moved to another location and was cancelled entirely. The COM ordered U.S. direct hires and dependents not to participate in the Great Ethiopian Run (10 km road race) which will attract over 30,000 runners, primarily Ethiopians, diplomats and foreign residents, scheduled for November 23, 2008. The COM and DCM met with the FSN committee and urged the LES staff not to participate. However, as Ethiopian citizens, some may participate as individuals without Embassy connection. Further, if Mission staff or their dependents participate they may face disciplinary action. ¶4. The Embassy conducted a town meeting over the weekend and discussed with the American community the heightened security precautions being taken by the GOE, and reminded the community of our own issued warden messages and public announcements on being mindful of the current security in Ethiopia. ¶5. (SBU) EAC members agreed that the Mission's security posture continues to be appropriate for current environment. The EAC agreed to work with Washington on a public announcement and/or warden message to the general American community informing the public about the Embassy's decision not to participate in the Great Ethiopian Run and to remind the American community of prior warden messages and public announcements about the heightened state of security. RSO will issue a security notice informing all Mission personnel, both American and LES, and family members of the COM's decisions to order U.S. direct hires and dependents not to participate in the Great Ethiopian Run and security issues. ¶6. (SBU) COM and his team will be meeting again with police and security personnel to inform them of actions being taken by the Embassy in response to the security situation and to reinforce our already very close and cooperative security coordination efforts. Post will continue to monitor the situation and report immediately to the Department and Africa Bureau of any change in situation. ¶7. (SBU) Final Comment: The security precautions being taken by the GOE are unprecedented and are certainly in response to GOE intelligence reports and views in Ethiopia that it would be the next target for extremists in the aftermath of the suicide bombings in Somaliland and Puntland. The Embassy has taken great precaution not to raise undue anxiety but to remain consistent in our messaging to be careful and observant. YAMAMOTO