DJIBOUTI LEADERS WELCOME "SAFE SKIES" PROGRAM

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000451 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR ICAO DJ SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI LEADERS WELCOME "SAFE SKIES" PROGRAM 1.(SBU) Summary: U.S. Department of Transportation Program Manager Connie Hunter and a team from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) visited April 26 - 30 to advance implementation of the $900,000 "Safe Skies for Africa" program in Djibouti. GODJ senior leaders - including President Ismael Omar Guelleh - met with the team and warmly welcomed the program and its focus on bringing Djiboutian civil aviation law and regulation into compliance with ICAO standards. ICAO established a 2-person team in Djibouti, embedded in the national civil aviation authority, to remain for 18 months to ensure follow-up of the program. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Minister of Transport Ali Hassan Bahdon told the visitors April 29 that he was eager for ICAO assistance in developing a new civil aviation law and implementing regulations. In late 2007, ICAO found Djibouti non-compliant with its standards and required de-registration most aircraft based in the country. Bahdon said that in April 2008 he had promised the President a new civil aviation code within one year and that he was now eager to complete the project. He provided Hunter and the ICAO team with a draft Djiboutian civil aviation code, for which he sought assistance in ensuring it was ICAO-compliant. ¶3. (SBU) As a further sign of senior support for this project, President Guelleh also met with the delegation April 29. He welcomed the "technical expertise and experience with regulation" that the ICAO team offers, saying Djibouti desperately needed this assistance. "Djibouti is a sick person who needs help to stand up." He explained that, after the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, many aircraft with questionable ownership and maintenance tried to relocate to Djibouti, which was fortunate not to have suffered a major accident. Djibouti is committed to becoming fully ICAO-compliant, Guelleh said, in order to improve safety and support Djibouti's economic development. ¶4. (SBU) The USG-supported ICAO program focuses on providing technical assistance to ensure proper drafting of civil aviation laws and regulations, along with a component for training Djiboutian civil aviation personnel. ICAO has named a resident project manager as well as a legal advisor, who will be embedded with Djibouti's civil aviation office, to provide day-to-day mentoring and ensure follow-up. ¶5. (SBU) Comment: The GODJ has made clear at the most senior levels that this USG-funded project fills a critical gap for Djibouti's civil aviation authorities, and that GODJ leaders are committed to its successful implementation. This program will contribute to Djibouti's broader economic goal of developing into a regional service hub for the Horn of Africa. SWAN