Djibouti Response-Entry of Arms for Security Assets

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001333 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/PPA, AF/E E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EWWT KPIR MARR PREL DJ PHSA SUBJECT: Djibouti Response-Entry of Arms for Security Assets Protecting US Flagged Vessels REF: 09 STATE 116588; 09 DJIBOUTI 1025; IIR 5 398 0114 09 DJIBOUTI 501 ¶1. (SBU) In response to Ref A, Ambassador Regional Security Officer met with the General Manager of the Djibouti Maritime Security Services (DMSS),Mr. Bruno Pardigon, on November 23. A February 2009 GODJ decree authorized the DMSS to issue licenses to maritime security operators on behalf of the GODJ for all requests related to the arming of commercial vessels. Post would like to draw PM/PPA's attention to Ref B, sent in August 2009, which goes into great detail as to the relevant process and fees. Ref C (sent November 19, 2009) provides additional information on this subject. ¶2. (SBU) In the November 23 meeting, Pardigon confirmed that the process he detailed in his meeting with embassy personnel in August 2009 (Ref B) is still accurate with one change. Beginning December 1, 2009, private security firms will have the option of paying $5,000.00 to obtain a weapons permit for a single transit. Pardigon advised that many firms balked at paying the minimum $15,000.00 per month for licenses, because it was cost prohibitive. Pardigon said that he hoped this reduced fee would provide some flexibility to those companies who are not regularly operating in Djibouti. ¶3. (SBU) When questioned as to how many licenses DMSS issues, Pardigon stated that he issues approximately four to five a month. Pardigon stressed that he is only dealing with reputable and known firms, and that he researches each new request as thoroughly as possible. Pardigon deals mostly with British firms, specifically mentioning G4S, but also advised that within the past six months he had issued weapons permits for Secure West and Trident Group, both American companies based in Virginia. Pardigon readily admitted that this was a business venture and a money-making opportunity both for him and the GODJ but was clear in the fact that he was only an intermediary for the GODJ. All permits and agreements are signed by the President of Djibouti's National Security Advisor, Hassan Said Khaireh. SWAN