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