BURKINA FASO: FY 2010 1206 PROPOSAL TO TRAIN AND EQUIP

UNCLAS OUAGADOUGOU 000977 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: MCAP MASS MARR PGOV UV SUBJECT: BURKINA FASO: FY 2010 1206 PROPOSAL TO TRAIN AND EQUIP BURKINA FASO'S COUNTER-TERRORISM UNIT. REF: A. STATE 92407 ¶B. OUAGADOUGOU 00569 ¶C. STATE 77211 ¶1. (SBU) Post supports the following fiscal year 2010 (FY10) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) section 1206 funded proposal totaling $5.56 million from U.S. Africa Command for: -Burkina Faso counter-terrorism company T&E - $5.56 million. This proposal supports the goals and objectives of US Embassy Ouagadougou, the Trans Sahara Counter Terrorism Partnership (TSCTP) and US Africa Command's Operation Enduring Freedom-Trans Sahara (OEF-TS). The Chief of Mission has reviewed and concurs with this proposal. ¶2. (SBU) The Government of Burkina Faso (GOBF) is cognizant of the extremists operating in the sub-region and their potential as a future threat. Burkina Faso has been a full supporting partner in EUCOM/AFRICOM and SOCEUR/SOCAFRICA's efforts against terrorists in the Sahel since late 2006 and is our newest TSCTP partner. The Burkinabe Government's military/security forces lack proficient counter-terrorism capabilities due to lack of resources (vehicles and communication equipment) and little training. This proposal will build Burkina Faso's capability to counter terrorist activities in the region, significantly contributes to a regional solution (REFTEL B),and directly supports the Embassy's Mission Strategic Plan. ¶3. The Counter-Terrorism Company does no yet exist and Leahy Vetting will be initiated for that unit once it is stood up. However, some inividuals which will comprise the unit leadership, have participated in U.S. sponsored training recetly. Post certifies that it is aware of no humanrights violations having been committed by Burkinbe individuals selected for training (REFTEL C). LAEUCHLI