DJIBOUTI UPDATE--AFTER THE INITIAL MILITARY CLASHES

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000520

SIPDIS

STATE FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/E

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/12/2018
TAGS: ASEC DJ PREL PBTS ER
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI UPDATE--AFTER THE INITIAL MILITARY CLASHES

REF: DJIBOUTI 516

Classified By: RSO Ellen Tannor for reasons 1.4 (b)


1. (SBU) One day after the initial military clash between
Djiboutian and Eritrean soldiers at the disputed border in
Ras Doumeras on June 10, cautious normalcy is underway in the
capital of Djibouti. A night without any reported fighting
brings reassurance to the general population that Djibouti
will remain an island of stability in an otherwise conflicted
region of the world.


2. (C) Government sources report that leave has been canceled
for all law enforcement entities in Djibouti. Approximately
2,200 National Police, 700 Gendarmes and 700 Republican
Guards are all on call to support the efforts at the border.
Reports indicate that 3 units consisting of 120 police
officers were previously at the border, however, after the
initial clash, an additional unit was deployed as
reinforcement. It is reported that the remaining 25% of the
Djiboutian military not deployed were subsequently deployed
to support the border efforts, leaving minimum to no
contingents left in the city. Also, 170 gendarmes and 60
members of the Republican Guards, the presidential security
service, have been called to serve on the border. A public
statement by the Djiboutian Department of Defense has called
upon all servicemen of the military, gendarmes and police,
retired in the last four years, to register from now until
June 12, 2008. Government sources have confirmed that a
small contingent of French troops are now deployed in the
north at Mouli Houle, providing material support to
Djiboutian troops.


3. (C) The Security AttachQ at the French Embassy said that
although the entire city is preoccupied with the clashes at
the border, the city is calm and the French Embassy has not
made any changes to its security posture nor do they see a
need to do so at this time. However, Camp Lemonier, under
reports of a 'declaration of war' by the Government of
Djibouti decided to cancel liberty for all camp personal in
an effort to monitor and assess the situation for a few more
days (REFTEL). The Port subsequently raised the threat level
from level 1 to level 2, resulting in more vehicle
inspections prior to entry at the port. There has been no
visible change to the security posture in the city or any
indication of heightened or reduced security levels. With
the exception of flights to Asmara being canceled, all
flights are operating as scheduled. The large crowds
congregating at the French hospital have ceased and there has
been no disruption to services, traffic patterns or otherwise.


4. (SBU) Point of Contact for this report is RSO Ellen
Tannor, (253) 35-39-95 ext. 2307.


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