US embassy cable - 04DJIBOUTI681

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000681 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF, AF/E, AF/RA 
STATE PASS USAID 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/09/2014 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PHUM, EAID, DJ 
SUBJECT: MINISTER OF INTERIOR SEEKS ADDITIONAL U.S. 
ASSISTANCE IN REGIONAL ELECTIONS AND FOLLOW-UP 
 
REF: A. DJIBOUTI 518 
 
     B. DJIBOUTI 439 
 
Classified By: AMBASSADOR MARGUERITA D. RAGSDALE. 
REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). 
 
1. (SBU) This is an action message. 
 
2. (SBU)  Minister of Interior and Decentralization, 
Abdulkader Dualeh Wais, convoked Ambassador to the Ministry 
on May 8 to request additional USG financial assistance for 
Djibouti's upcoming regional elections.  Reftels reported an 
outstanding request from Wais for USD 500,000 for printing, 
computer networks, informational material, vehicles, repair 
of voter card distribution offices and an Independent 
Electoral Commission in support of these elections.  Embassy 
awaits Department's response to these earlier reftels. 
 
3. (SBU) In the May 8 meeting, Wais told Ambassador that 
regional elections were now planned for November, 2004 vice 
October.  He said that after elections are over, and a formal 
installation of officers, those elected must be given 
furnished offices out of which to operate and vehicles to 
reach constituents in their districts.  The total number of 
regional officers, he said, would equal 13:  one each from 
the districts of Obock, Dikhil, Tadjoura, Ali Sabieh, Arta 
and Djibouti.  In addition, in Djibouti there will be a 
"Conseil" or Director, for each of the "arrondissements," or 
districts of Djibouti, and another individual to serve as 
overall advisor. 
 
4. (SBU) Wais acknowledged in the meeting that overall 
assistance has also been requested from France and the EU for 
these elections. 
 
5. (C) Comment:  Ambassador made no promises to Wais and it 
is unclear what money can be obligated in this fiscal year, 
or in FY 2005, for these elections.  Whatever the Department 
decides to provide, however, will require oversight and 
management to avoid opportunities for diversion of resources. 
 We can work with USAID to consider possible mechanisms 
through which to channel this assistance.  Financial support 
provided by the U.S. for Djibouti's legislative elections in 
2003 were managed by the Embassy's first-tour consular 
officer.  We do not believe this would be an effective or 
appropriate option for the mission with any funding for 
November's regional elections. 
 
6. (C) It is also unclear what France or the EU will provide 
Djibouti, if any amount, in this instance, although the EU 
representative stated that approval of the purchase of 4 x 4 
vehicles would be difficult.  Embassy recommends that 
whatever is provided be provided in coordination with other 
donors.  End comment. 
 
RAGSDALE