Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NOUAKCHOTT479
2009-07-19 16:10:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Nouakchott
Cable title:  

PROPOSED SUSPENSION OF PEACE CORPS PROGRAM IN

Tags:  AMGT ASEC MR 
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INFO LOG-00 MFA-00 AF-00 AMAD-00 A-00 CIAE-00 PERC-00 
 DHSE-00 FO-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 MOFM-00 MOF-00 DCP-00 
 NSCE-00 OIG-00 PC-01 P-00 DOHS-00 FMPC-00 IRM-00 
 SSO-00 SS-00 NCTC-00 ASDS-00 CBP-00 DSCC-00 ALM-00 
 SAS-00 FA-00 SANA-00 /001W
 
P 191610Z JUL 09
FM AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8640
S E C R E T NOUAKCHOTT 000479 


NOFORN

DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO PEACE CORPS DIRECTOR JODY OLSEN
FROM AMBASSADOR BOULWARE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2014
TAGS: AMGT ASEC MR
SUBJECT: PROPOSED SUSPENSION OF PEACE CORPS PROGRAM IN
MAURITANIA

Classified By: Ambassador Mark M. Boulware for Reasons 1.4 (b and d)

S E C R E T NOUAKCHOTT 000479


NOFORN

DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS TO PEACE CORPS DIRECTOR JODY OLSEN
FROM AMBASSADOR BOULWARE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2014
TAGS: AMGT ASEC MR
SUBJECT: PROPOSED SUSPENSION OF PEACE CORPS PROGRAM IN
MAURITANIA

Classified By: Ambassador Mark M. Boulware for Reasons 1.4 (b and d)


1. (S) I am concerned to have heard over the week-end that
Peace Corps has decided to suspend its operations in
Mauritania after nearly forty years of presence. I
understand the decision has been reached based on an
assessment of security conditions in the field. While I am
fully cognizant of the need to ensure the safety of all
American citizens, and especially of our volunteers, I have
seen no intelligence or other security-related information
suggesting that Peace Corps volunteers in Mauritania are
being targeted by Al Qaeda. Mauritanian police actions over
the weekend appear to have captured the Al Qaeda team
responsible for the June murder of American missionary
Christopher Leggett. That reduces the immediate threat for
U.S. and western entities in Mauritania even as it seems to
confirm that AQIM is prepared to target U.S. persons here and
elsewhere in the region.


2. (S) The AQIM threat in the region has been a serious
consideration for years. The recent spate of financially
successful kidnappings by AQIM has both whetted their
appetite for more of the same and given them the funding to
support other terrorist activities. That said, the Mission
Emergency Action Committee has assessed the current threat
information and, finding the increased threat to be no
greater that other posts in the region, has not recommended
any change in our staffing level. The EAC specifically
discussed the need for authorized departure and found no
basis to make such a recommendation. I have fully agreed
with the EAC's recommendations and have acted accordingly.


3. (S) Since my arrival at Post, I have been acutely aware
of the safety and security of the Peace Corps volunteers in
Mauritania. Had I seen any inkling of targeting of the
volunteers by AQIM, I would have been the first to want them
out of the country or, at a minimum, substantially redeployed
to enhance their security. Peace Corps Director Shaw has
been fully engaged in our EAC and I have full faith and
confidence in his management of all aspects of the Peace
Corps program.


4. (S) Under the provisions of NSDD-38, deletions as well as
additions of direct hire American positions are supposed to
be referred to the Chief of Mission for consideration. There
has been no Peace Corps consultation in this instance. I
understand that Peace Corps had already scheduled an August
review of the security posture of volunteers in Mauritania,
Mali, and Niger. I would recommend that we await the results
of that review and then determine jointly the future of the
Peace Corps program. I would welcome the opportunity to
discuss this situation further via secure telephone or video
conference.

BOULWARE