EAC CONVENES TO DISCUSS UGANDAN MILITARY ACTIONS

S E C R E T KAMPALA 001600 NOFORN TERREP DEPT FOR DS/CC, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/EX, S/ES-O E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2018 TAGS: ASEC UG SUBJECT: EAC CONVENES TO DISCUSS UGANDAN MILITARY ACTIONS AGAINST LRA AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON REF: A. TD-314/089991-08 ¶B. STATE 129801 Classified By: RSO DANIEL S CRONIN, FOR REASONS 1.4 (C and D) ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: On December 15, 2008 the DCM convened an Emergency Action Committee (EAC) attended by the RSO, RAO, CON, DAO, PD, MGT, Peace Corps, CDC, CLO, and USAID. The EAC discussion was centered on the recent Government of Uganda (GoU) military actions against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). EAC also discussed the most recent threat reporting concerning the general ongoing East Africa terrorist threat, specifically a recent threat concerning al-Shabaab (REF A). EAC also discussed the Mission's overall security posture during the holiday season (REF B). END SUMMARY. ¶2. (S/NF) The EAC discussed the ongoing GoU military actions against the LRA in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Garamba National Park. Discussions centered on how this military action was coordinated between the GoU, Government of Southern Sudan and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The EAC observed that the news of the military action against the LRA is just now being reported throughout the various local and international media outlets and the public's reaction to the military action will need to be closely monitored. EAC noted that the general acceptance of military actions was anticipated due to the collapse of the peace negotiations between the GoU and LRA. RSO reminded EAC members of the need to take prudent security measures by avoiding possible demonstrations related to the military action. The Mission will rely on guidance received from Washington on public statements and any special travel message based on the ongoing military activities. POL reminded the EAC members that the treatment of LRA-related non-combatants will have a major impact on the public's reactions to these military actions. ¶3. (S/NF) RAO briefed EAC members on the recent threat reporting throughout the East Africa region with particular emphasis on the threat posed by the Somalia-based al-Shabaab terrorist organization (REF A). RAO noted that al-Shabaab is closely linked to the East African al-Qaeda terrorist organization that has been active throughout the region since the 1998 East African Embassy bombings. The recent al-Shabaab threat (REF A) is related to a threat reported in October 2008 in which the GoU took prudent security measures by significantly increasing security at perceived "soft targets". RSO noted that we have not seen a visible increase in security at "soft targets" but reminded EAC members to increase their security awareness when visiting hotels, markets, bars/restaurants, or other perceived soft targets, particularly during the holiday season when terrorists have in the past conducted attacks. ¶4. (S/NF) Next Steps: In addition to a Mission-wide security notice reminding employees to be vigilant during the holiday season, RSO will host a discussion for Mission employees and Eligible Family Members on best practices for a safe and secure holiday season along with a security discussion on the shifting terrorist tactics towards targeting soft targets. RSO informed EAC members of the security briefing that was conducted last week for the International School of Uganda (ISU) bus drivers and monitors on terrorist tactics, Surveillance Detection and attack recognition. CON will propose a warden message in consultation with the Department if it appears one is warranted in reponse to the public reaction to the GoU,s ongoing military actions in eastern DRC. EAC members concurred that the Mission's current security posture is commensurate with the current operating environment in Uganda. BROWNING