ABIDJAN: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETS TO REVIEW

UNCLAS ABIDJAN 000172 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR DS, CA, AF/EX, AF/W AND DS/IP/AF E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PINR CASC PREL IV SUBJECT: ABIDJAN: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETS TO REVIEW POST SECURITY FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT SHAKE-UP ¶1. (SBU) The DCM convened the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, to review security issues at post following the surprise dismissal of the cabinet and the Independent Election Commission by President Laurent Gbagbo on the evening of Friday, February 12. Situation -------------- ¶2. (SBU) EAC members reported that the public's general reaction to the dismissals was subdued. Over the weekend, there were spontaneous public demonstrations in Abengourou to the east of the capital, in Tafire in the north, and in the Abidjan suburb of Yopougon. Government security forces maintained a high state of alert throughout the city, and opposition leaders appeared to be disorganized as they did not/not press for any immediate response from their followers, despite having initially called for demonstrations. Heavy rains followed by sporadic flooding on Sunday further inhibited any reaction by the population. Embassy officers closely monitored the situation throughout the Presidents Day weekend, and continue to do so. ¶3. (U) On Monday, 15 February, the consular section cleared and issued a warden message to the American community advising them of the situation and the potential for spontaneous demonstrations and political unrest, reminding citizens that such events can escalate into violence. The same message was passed to direct-hire embassy employees via the emergency telephone tree. Current Security Posture -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Over the weekend, post updated the Country Specific Information and the Travel Warning and submitted both to the Department for approval. During the EAC, RSO reminded post personnel that COM approval for out-of-town travel remains in place. The Management officer noted that because of the current electricity shortage, all generators had been checked in the past 10 days. ¶5. (SBU) The EAC determined that the current security measures and procedures in place are appropriate for a country rated critical for both potential political violence and for crime. The RSO noted that while the security mechanisms are available and appropriate, a Crisis Management Exercise scheduled for later this week via Digital Video Conference by the Foreign Service Institute will provide post with an occasion to review all procedures in detail. NESBITT