ACCRA CORE EAC MEETING TO DISCUSS REGIONAL THREATS

S E C R E T ACCRA 000164

NOFORN

DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, AF/W, CA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/26/2035
TAGS: ASEC GH PTER
SUBJECT: ACCRA CORE EAC MEETING TO DISCUSS REGIONAL THREATS

Classified By: A/RSO Jorge Delgado for reasons 1.4 (b,c,d,e,g)



1. (S/NF) Summary: Embassy Accra convened Post's core
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on 2/25/2010 to discuss
security matters in the West Africa Region and to assess if
any violent and or terrorist activity in the Region could
have a spill over affect into Ghana. Of specific concern is
the upcoming Togo elections scheduled for 3/4/2010 as well as
uncertain political situations in Niger, Cote D,Ivoire, and
Nigeria. EAC had no specific threat information or concerns
and will continue to monitor activity in the Region and its
impact on Ghana. The following EAC members were present at
the meeting DCM, RSO, GRPO, DAO, CON, POL, and FPD. End
Summary.


2. (S/NF) TOGO: Elections are scheduled for 3/4/2010.
Western Diplomats are getting visas to travel to Ghana. EAC
agreed that coordination between American Embassy Lome and
American Embassy Accra is needed to determine possible
evacuation capabilities, capacity, time frame, and assets.
POL reports that the French are taking advantage of school
holidays to send their people out of Togo. DAO indicates
that the French also have a Navy ship off the coast of Lome
that can be used for a possible NEO evacuation. Should the
situation in Togo deteriorate, refugee inflows to Ghana could
be an issue. Consular will address any no double standard
policy issues if Embassy Lome is evacuated.

NIGERIA: EAC sees President YAR'ADUA'S health and return to
country as a cause for political uncertainty in Nigeria.

MALI: EAC views Mali,s February 23 release of four AQIM
members in exchange for a French hostage as a potential for
increased kidnappings in Mali. EAC reports that there is no
specific indication that kidnapping would spill over to other
countries in the region or to Ghana in particular.

NIGER: EAC reports that regular activity at the airport and
at the boarder crossings have resumed to normal.

COTE D'IVOIRE: Political and civil unrest continue as a new
government has not been formed. Information at this point
remains fragmented. Electrical shortages in Abidjan are a
concern, but most of the political and civil unrest is
reported in the areas further west of Abidjan and are not
expected to affect Ghana.


3. (S/NF) EAC had no specific threat information related to
any target or individual in Ghana. RSO reports general
security posture at the Embassy is appropriate and will work
with other RSOs in the region to coordinate possible
evacuation assistance into Ghana. Based on previous EAC
recommendations, Consular updated its website with its most
current world-wide travel advisory. At this point, there is
no West Africa specific travel warning.


4. (S/NF) EAC continues to believe that soft targets in the
region are vulnerable to attacks by AQIM. EAC believes
Post's security posture remains adequate and agrees that
appropriate staffing and security measures are in place and
commensurate with Post's current threat environment.


5. (U) Point of contact for this matter is A/RSO Jorge
Delgado.


TEITELBAUM