SITREP 2: EVENING IN CHAD IS QUIET BUT ANXIETY

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000066 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR OPS, AF/C, DS, CA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL PINR CASC MOPS SU CD PINS ASEC SUBJECT: SITREP 2: EVENING IN CHAD IS QUIET BUT ANXIETY REMAINS REF: NDJAMENA 65 AND PREVIOUS -------------- MISSION POSTURE -------------- ¶1. (SBU) As of 2200 local, January 31, the Mission moved to consolidate all official Americans due to continued concern of imminent rebel attacks on N'djamena. Embassy officials and eligible family members are consolidated in three locations: at the Embassy compound; the American school compound; and, for various DoD personnel, at one of their residences. We have adequate fuel, water and food supplies and electricity and water systems are currently operational. Communication, including IVG lines, radio, and cellphones/SMS are fully operational. We had two very useful TELCONS with Operations Center Director. The Embassy has also disseminated three cleared warden messages to the American community and continues to be in contact with as many Amcits as possible. -------------- GENERAL OVERVIEW -------------- ¶2. (SBU) As of 2200 local, N'djamena is outwardly calm, with normal traffic patterns and security presence. There have been no reports of any disturbances. The airport is open. Air France Paris/NDjamena/Paris flight for tonight is scheduled to depart as usual. Chad's land borders are also open for departure. ¶3. (SBU) According to French defense attach, the rebels are currently approximately 70 miles outside of N'djamena. Rebel leaders have decided to attack the capital rather than engage the government outside the city. The French reportedly "have no plans to rescue" Deby for now. French also plan to reinforce with two parachute companies from Libreville, Gabon. Estimated time of arrival in N'djamena is 0300 on 1 February. ¶4. (SBU) A World Bank contact told PolOff that rebels and the Chadian government are currently in "tentative" quiet negotiations and if the rebels' demands are not met, heavy fighting should be expected within the next day. ¶5. (SBU) USAID/OFDA Kirsti Lattu reported from Abeche that as of 2000 local, all UN employees were told to prepare to evacuate, as there are reports of a third rebel group who have moved across the border and are heading towards Abeche. There continues to be no major confrontation with the government. NIGRO