INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Sitrep 2: Evening in Chad Is Quiet but Anxiety

Published: Thu 31 Jan 2008 08:52 PM
VZCZCXRO6520
OO RUEHGI RUEHMA RUEHROV
DE RUEHNJ #0066 0312052
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 312052Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY NDJAMENA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6041
INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHBP/AMEMBASSY BAMAKO PRIORITY 0893
RUEHGI/AMEMBASSY BANGUI PRIORITY 1469
RUEHLC/AMEMBASSY LIBREVILLE PRIORITY 1040
RUEHNM/AMEMBASSY NIAMEY PRIORITY 3037
RUEHNK/AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT PRIORITY 0157
RUEHYD/AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE PRIORITY 1647
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
RUSNNOT/SOCEUR VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY
UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000066
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR OPS, AF/C, DS, CA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL PINR CASC MOPS SU CD PINS ASEC
SUBJECT: SITREP 2: EVENING IN CHAD IS QUIET BUT ANXIETY
REMAINS
REF: NDJAMENA 65 AND PREVIOUS
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MISSION POSTURE
---------------
1. (SBU) As of 2200 local, January 31, the Mission moved to
consolidate all official Americans due to continued concern
of imminent rebel attacks on N'djamena. Embassy officials
and eligible family members are consolidated in three
locations: at the Embassy compound; the American school
compound; and, for various DoD personnel, at one of their
residences. We have adequate fuel, water and food supplies
and electricity and water systems are currently operational.
Communication, including IVG lines, radio, and cellphones/SMS
are fully operational. We had two very useful TELCONS with
Operations Center Director. The Embassy has also disseminated
three cleared warden messages to the American community and
continues to be in contact with as many Amcits as possible.
----------------
GENERAL OVERVIEW
----------------
2. (SBU) As of 2200 local, N'djamena is outwardly calm, with
normal traffic patterns and security presence. There have
been no reports of any disturbances. The airport is open.
Air France Paris/NDjamena/Paris flight for tonight is
scheduled to depart as usual. Chad's land borders are also
open for departure.
3. (SBU) According to French defense attach, the rebels are
currently approximately 70 miles outside of N'djamena. Rebel
leaders have decided to attack the capital rather than engage
the government outside the city. The French reportedly "have
no plans to rescue" Deby for now. French also plan to
reinforce with two parachute companies from Libreville,
Gabon. Estimated time of arrival in N'djamena is 0300 on 1
February.
4. (SBU) A World Bank contact told PolOff that rebels and the
Chadian government are currently in "tentative" quiet
negotiations and if the rebels' demands are not met, heavy
fighting should be expected within the next day.
5. (SBU) USAID/OFDA Kirsti Lattu reported from Abeche that as
of 2000 local, all UN employees were told to prepare to
evacuate, as there are reports of a third rebel group who
have moved across the border and are heading towards Abeche.
There continues to be no major confrontation with the
government.
NIGRO
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