CHAD: PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCED REBEL

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000128 SIPDIS SIPDIS LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS TUNIS FOR AMBASSADOR NIGRO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV CD SU SUBJECT: CHAD: PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCED REBEL INCURSION ¶1. (U) On April 1, Chadian Prime Minister Kassire convoked the diplomatic corps at his office to announce that at 6:40 a.m. Chad time a group of armed rebels had attacked Ade, 68 kilometers from the Chad/Sudan border. Prime Minister Kassire stated that this attack was proof that Sudanese President Bechir "had not changed." Despite the Dakar accord he continued to be the aggressor. His aim was nothing less than the annihilation of Chad. Prime Minister Kassire asked for a "mobilization of conscience" among the international community. ¶2. (SBU) Post was informed by UN security services (UNDSS) earlier today of heavy fighting near Ade. Although the World Food Program (WFP) security officer reported that Abeche was calm, it appears that a large number of Chadian National Army (ANT) troops departed Abeche for Goz Beida late on March 31. ¶3. (SBU) Other government sources have confirmed this attack and believe that the rebel forces intend to continue South West towards Am Timan (Salamat region). Some Chadian sources believe that the rebels may hold in Am Timan in order to resupply and await further instructions before attacking N'Djamena. ¶4. (U) Post held an EAC (septel) to discuss the security situation and review tripwires. ¶5. (U) Tripoli minimize considered. TAMLYN