SUMMARY OF ENGAGEMENT PLANS WITH THE CENTRAL AFRICAN

UNCLAS BANGUI 000246 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/C AF/RSA FOR JCHALFIN AFRICOM FOR JKUGEL INR FOR CNEARY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PINR CT SUBJECT: SUMMARY OF ENGAGEMENT PLANS WITH THE CENTRAL AFRICAN MILITARY REF: A - 09 BANGUI 46 AND STATE DEPARTMENT'S HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT 2008, 2007 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: AmEmbassy Bangui has been in close and productive contact with US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Strategy, Plans and Programs Engagement Division over the course of 2009 in an effort to formulate an engagement plan for the Central African Military (FACA). After a visit by AFRICOM's desk officer in March 2009, Post, in conjunction with AFRICOM, identified the FACA's Engineering Battalion as the best initial point of reengagement with the FACA after a long hiatus. This engagement is part of an overall effort by Post to strengthen institutions of Central African (CAR) society needed to reestablish stability in a country wracked by insecurity. A follow up visit by a group from the North Carolina Air National Guard 245 Civil Engineer Flight produced the following engagement plan which is submitted for the Department's information and consideration. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) Short term engagement by the North Carolina Air National Guard 245 Civil Engineer Flight, estimated to begin in early 2010: -- Training and installation of expedient methods for water purification (rural villages). Over 70 percent of all Central Africans lack potable water. -- Training in Topographic Surveying and mapping of FACA installations in Bangui. -- Topographic surveying and mapping in the community to support disaster preparedness. -- Disaster preparedness training/pre-planning for flood response. Bangui suffered extensive flooding this year, primarily due to decades of trash dumped in storm drains. -- Guest instructors at the FACA English Language School. English language instruction is one of our most successful points of engagement in the CAR. -- More comprehensive assessment of existing medical facilities. ¶3. (U) Long Term (FY 11 +) engagement by the North Carolina Air National Guard 245 Civil Engineer Flight: -- Renovation/expansion of the FACA English Language School . -- Follow on opportunities generated as a result of any short term initiatives. ¶4. (SBU) COMMENT: The FACA's Engineering Battalion is woefully underfunded and trained. By bolstering its capacity, Post seeks to help the FACA rehabilitate its image among the Central African population by giving it the ability to implement civil projects and respond to civilian needs such as disaster preparedness. Engagement with the Engineering Battalion has the added benefit of easing the reengagement of US military cooperation with FACA in a non-kinetic arena while at the same time serving to build critical capacity. Though the FACA has been responsible for some notable transgressions (Ref A),Post believes that along with the ongoing Security Sector Reform effort, this engagement will contribute to a more professional force, capable of stabilizing the internal security of the country and protecting its borders - A Mission Strategic Plan priority. END COMMENT COOK