CHAD: 2009 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000612 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR S/CT - RHONDA SHORE AND RUEILB/NCTC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CD PREL PTER SUBJECT: CHAD: 2009 COUNTRY REPORTS ON TERRORISM REF: A. STATE 109989 ¶B. NDJAMENA 00149 ¶C. NDJAMENA 00151 ¶D. NDJAMENA 00214 ¶1. (U) Per Ref A, Post submits the following text for consideration for inclusion in the 2009 Country Reports on Terrorism. ¶2. (SBU) As in 2008, Chad experienced several incursions in 2009 by anti-regime rebel forces. The armed confrontations between Government of Chad troops and anti-regime rebels were short-lived in 2009, compared to the 2008 conflict, and occurred only in Eastern Chad. The most significant rebel incursion into Chad occurred between May 4th and 6th, when three to four columns of vehicles, perhaps totaling 200, entered southeastern Chad. The rebel forces never gained a foothold and soon retreated, after being severely weakened by Government fire. (See Refs B-D for details.) While Chad did have rebel incursions in 2009 (albeit ones that were successfully repelled),it has not experienced any significant act of international terrorism, nor is it believed that the Government of Chad provided safe haven to any terrorist or terrorists organization. ¶3. (SBU) The decline in rebel ability to engage successfully with Government troops has been coupled with more intensive dialogue between the GoC and some rebels/dissidents-in-exile who have returned to Chad voluntarily in the course of the year. Not having to fight an active rebellion will allow the GoC to focus on counterterrorism training, including through strengthening of the military, so that advantage is not taken of Chad's porous borders or uncontrolled spaces by terrorist groups. The GoC actively wants to work with the USG to reduce the ability of terrorists to attack or operate in Chad. ¶4. (U) Due to Leahy vetting concerns, Chad's Antiterrorism Assistance program was temporarily suspended in 2009, along with most types of military assistance. Following resolution of mot of these concerns, five DS/ATA-sponsored courses are scheduled for 2010, and military training through TSCTP is also expected to resume. The courses by offered by DS/ATA will reinforce efforts by Chad's law-enforcement community to successfully counter terrorists and their organizations within Chadian borders. ¶5. (SBU) In spring 2009, Guantanamo detainee al-Qarani was returned to Chad. Embassy and GoC officials are coordinating to ensure that he does not make contact with known terrorists abroad. Embassy also makes a priority of outreach to Muslim populations, and religious diversity programs, so that Chad,s tradition of cultural tolerance does not erode. ¶6. (U) Point of Contact: Michael L. Cygrymus, Regional Security Officer, cygrymusml@state.gov, country code 235 / 251-7009 extension 4215 NIGRO