MEETING WITH ETHIOPIAN FEDERAL POLICE TO DISCUSS

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 003110 SENSITIVE DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: MEETING WITH ETHIOPIAN FEDERAL POLICE TO DISCUSS CURRENT SECURITY ENVIORNMENT REF: A. ADDIS ABABA 003065 ¶B. ADDIS ABABA 003050 ¶C. ADDIS ABABA 03083 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On November 13, 2008 the Ambassador and RSO met with Deputy Commissioner Hassen Shiffa to discuss the current security environment. RSO also presented a request for additional host government security support at the U.S. Embassy and for other Mission facilities, as well as, the International Community School. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) On November 13, 2008 the Ambassador and RSO meet with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassen Shiffa to discuss the current security environment in Addis Ababa. NOTE: While traveling to the Federal Police Headquarters RSO observed the placement of large trucks to block direct vehicular approaches to the front of the building and main vehicle access point. Placement of these vehicles may indicate that the EFP has taken action in response to information it is developing regarding potential targeting. Further, it indicates the level of seriousness GOE attributes to the developing threat information. END NOTE. DC Shiffa began the meeting by stating that GOE efforts in countering the threats posed by numerous groups, both indigenous and external, thru arrests and continued investigation have been successful in disrupting any potential terrorist plans thus far. DC Shiffa further stated that most of the individuals they have taken into custody are support elements and not operational. The Ambassador informed DC Shiffa that the U.S. Embassy has also taken action in response to the potential threat by cancelling the Marine Ball and was ordering its personnel not to run in the upcoming Great Ethiopian Run. The Ambassador also added that there would be a public announcement, coordinated with Washington, made to U.S. citizens regarding the current security climate in Addis Ababa and the actions the U.S. Embassy was taking in response. ¶3. (SBU) RSO presented DC Shiffa a request for additional EFP support. RSO requested an increase of the number of EFP assigned to the U.S. Embassy, which would double the number of officers posted at the perimeter, and the deployment of heavier caliber weapons at the main access points to the compound. RSO also requested an increase in the number of police patrols at other Mission facilities. DC Shiffa agreed to the requests and stated that he would coordinate a subsequent meeting for the RSO with the commander of the EFP's Anti-terrorism Unit. The EFP Anti-terrorism Unit would be one of the first units to respond to the Embassy and have more specialized training than the EFP officers assigned to the compound. However, DC Shiffa stated that aside from hostage rescue the officers assigned to the Embassy are part of the Special Commando Unit and receive the same training except for the more specialized training components. NOTE: RSO has already met and continues to laise with the local commander of the unit assigned to the Embassy. END NOTE. ¶4. (SBU) Post continues to monitor the security environment and will make adjustments in it's response as required. YAMAMOTO