US embassy cable - 04DJIBOUTI474

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000474 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT. FOR AF/E J. GAFFNEY, AF/PD C. EFIRD, A. JOHNSON, AND 
R. SMITH; DEPT. PASS TO USAID 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, EAID, KPAO, CT, DJ 
SUBJECT: DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF EACTI ENGLISH LANGUAGE 
PROJECT 
 
1. (U)   Post has received a high volume of requests in 
Djibouti for English language training.  Djibouti is a 
Francophone island in a predominantly English speaking Horn 
of Africa region.  The arrival of CJTF-HOA, the only U.S. 
Military base in Africa, has created 
an additional incentive for Djiboutians to learn English as 
they seek employment and contracts with Department of Defense 
contractors providing logistical support to the base. 
 
2. (U)  In response to this demand, Post approached the 
fledgling English language department at Pole University 
Djibouti (PUD), an emerging partner to Post's Public Affairs 
Section, to explore possibilities for collaboration.  Staff 
and students alike bemoaned the lack of a language laboratory 
where they could listen to native English speakers and 
practice pronunciation and comprehension.  After identifying 
a potential funding mechanism Post approached PUD Director 
Hiba Ahmed Hiba, accompanied by the English language 
department chief, and presented him with the idea.  Hiba 
responded positively and stated that his staff would prepare 
a proposal outlining their needs for a laboratory.  Post has 
information that the proposal is complete but remains on 
Hiba's desk. 
 
3. (U)  Conoff met March 29 with Mohamed Ali Hassan, Director 
of bi-lateral relations at the Djiboutian Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs, to solicit support in the establishment of an 
English language laboratory and American Corners at PUD.  The 
meeting was a follow-on to Ambassador's March 27 meeting with 
Hassan on other matters in which Hassan requested U.S. 
assistance in providing English language training 
opportunities for Djibouti.  Ambassador had explained to 
Hassan the existence of a language laboratory proposal under 
the East Africa Counterterrorism Initiative (EACTI) that had 
been funded but which languished with PUD.  Hassan asked for 
a copy of the letter to PUD offering the project, which 
Conoff subsequently delivered. 
 
4. (U)  Post has been delayed in the implementation of EACTI 
funds for these projects by the inaction of PUD Director 
Hiba.  The initiatives are actively supported by Hiba's PUD 
staff and Education Ministry officials.  Hassan asked to be 
courtesy copied on all Public Affairs related correspondence 
with Government of Djibouti institutions and commented that 
he would ask the Minister of Education to investigate the 
delay.  Hassan also said he would like the Embassy to explore 
ways in which the MFA could profit from U.S. assistance to 
create the institutional capacity to provide English language 
formation to its staff.  Ambassador Ragsdale and Conoff will 
meet with PUD Director Hiba April 1 to accentuate Post's 
desire to commence implementation of EACTI funds which must 
be obligated this fiscal year. 
 
5. (U) Comment: Post continues to actively pursue Public 
Diplomacy activities in this front line state in the Global 
War on Terrorism.  Post is working to complete the ground 
work for EACTI fund obligation but faces unique challenges. 
The lack of PD activities at Post since the closing of USIS 
some fifteen years ago has left a dirth of partners that must 
be rebuilt from the ground up.  The comparatively massive 
resources available to the French Cultural Center and the 
French Cooperation tacitly discourage engagement with U.S. 
partners.  In addition, significant portions of Post's 
limited human resources are consumed with media outreach. End 
Comment. 
RAGSDALE