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. LIST