Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA81
2009-03-06 08:24:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:  

ISAIAS ANGERED OVER MILITARY DESERTIONS

Tags:  PGOV MOPS ASEC ER 
pdf how-to read a cable
R 060824Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0208
INFO AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA 
AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI 
AMEMBASSY LONDON 
AMEMBASSY PARIS 
CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
CIA WASHDC
CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ
COMUSNAVCENT
DIA WASHDC
HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL
SECDEF WASHDC
NSC WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000081 


DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AF/E,
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/05/2029
TAGS: PGOV MOPS ASEC ER
SUBJECT: ISAIAS ANGERED OVER MILITARY DESERTIONS

REF: ASMARA 74

Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000081


DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AF/E,
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/05/2029
TAGS: PGOV MOPS ASEC ER
SUBJECT: ISAIAS ANGERED OVER MILITARY DESERTIONS

REF: ASMARA 74

Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)


1. (C) In late February, an Eritrean infantry platoon
(unit/exact location unknown) located in the vicinity of Om
Hager deserted its post, with some soldiers fleeing to Sudan
and the others to Ethiopia, according to a UN source. Upon
hearing of this news, President Isaias became irate and
wanted to sack all of the officers in the southwest military
district, but realized he could not expend the political
capital to do so. Reportedly, though he is frustrated by the
increase in desertions, Isaias realizes his ability to remain
in power is tied to the loyalty of his military commanders.


2. (C) The UN source said the desertions took place before
the bombing in Haicota on February 25 (Reftel). He also
stated his military contact said the GSE deliberately planted
the bomb to deter further military desertions and to dupe the
local populace into thinking foreign insurgents were
responsible and rally around the government. NOTE: The GSE
rarely announces internal attacks, but when they do, they
always blame the Ethiopian government. That they have not
done so in this instance is curious. END NOTE.


3. (C) Comment: So far Isaias has been able to buy the
support of top generals by allowing them to engage in
contraband trade with Sudan and Yemen. This recent
defection, coupled with a covert interview with a dissent
military officer getting wide play on asena.com (septel),
suggest the military commanders may be losing control of
their troops. Post has been unable to corroborate the
assertion that the GSE was the mastermind behind the bombing
in Haicota.


MCMULLEN