US embassy cable - 05DJIBOUTI237

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000237 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF/E AND AF/PD 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO, EAID, ECON, EFIN, DJ 
SUBJECT: PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND SELF-HELP HOST ARTS AND CRAFTS 
FAIR 
 
 
1. (U) Summary: Public Diplomacy funded the Self-Help 
Program with end of year grant money to host an exposition 
and sale of locally made arts and crafts.  The Self-Help 
Program has funded many Associations that teach women and 
girls the skills of sewing, as well as their traditional 
crafts.  This exposition was the first of its kind to bring 
together women from all the districts of Djibouti to 
showcase their work, and to provide a venue for sales.  At 
the conclusion of the event a roundtable discussion was held 
which allowed each woman the opportunity to express the 
challenges they face, as well as to discuss solutions and 
the future of their industry here in Djibouti. End Summary. 
 
2. (U) Prior to the opening of the exposition Self-Help met 
with representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry, and from the Ministry of Tourism.  We had many 
opportunities to convey the message of the ongoing 
commitment of the US to the development and strengthening of 
the arts and crafts industry of Djibouti as well as our 
commitment to fighting poverty at all levels. 
 
3. (U) Ambassador and the Director of Tourism Mohamed 
Abdillahi opened the exposition on the 22nd of February at 
10am with speeches.  Other dignitaries in attendance were: 
Ambassador Ahmed Abelwahed Zein of Egypt, Ambassador Ismail 
Abdel Dafie of Sudan, Ambassador Abdoulaziz Bin Mohamed al- 
Aifan of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Abdourab Ali Al-Salafi of 
Yemen, Ambassador Philip Selz of France, Ambassador Kamal A. 
Gazzaz of the Palestinian Authority, Honorary Consul Alain 
Martinet of Great Britain, Ambassador Alexander Bregadze of 
Russia, and General Helland of Combined Joint Task Force - 
Horn of Africa (CJTF HOA).  There was significant media 
coverage by television RTD, and a great deal of positive 
feedback from dignitaries in attendance. The event continued 
through the 24th of February and was closed with remarks by 
Ambassador, Director of Tourism Mohamed Abdillahi, Minister 
of Commerce and Industry Salaman Omar Oudine, and two 
association presidents Amina Idriss, and Fatouma Hassan. 
 
4. (U) At the conclusion of the closing ceremony, a round- 
table discussion was held with Dr. Mayoub of the Association 
Bender Djedid as moderator, and Mohamed Abdillahi leading 
the talk.  The purpose of this discussion was to give 
representatives from the associations in attendance the 
opportunity to voice their opinions about the challenges 
they face in craft production and marketing, and to discuss 
solutions to these challenges.  There was a helpful exchange 
of ideas, and a consensus on a need for more collaboration, 
and a great need for technical as well as financial help to 
improve the arts and crafts industry to bring it to a level 
competitive with other African countries. 
 
5. (U) The Self-Help Program also had a promotional exhibit 
on display to expand public knowledge of the program.  This 
included pictures of past projects, and information on how 
to apply for future funding.  This was well received; we 
answered many questions about the program and how to submit 
proposals for future projects.  We are optimistic that this 
exposure to the public will result in a greater number and 
variety of project proposals for the 2005 funding cycle. 
 
6. (U) The Public Diplomacy Section also displayed Black 
History Month posters during the exposition. We received 
feedback that the posters were a nice addition to the event. 
Total PD funds spent 775,900.30 DF (4,383.62 USD).  This 
amount included the hall rental, advertisement, drinks, 
food, and miscellaneous items. 
 
7. (U) This event was a great service to the associations 
that we have funded.  It gave them an excellent opportunity 
to display and to sell their handmade items.  They were able 
to explain their ancestral craft, and show to the public the 
skills required to make their products.  All the 
participating associations expressed their gratitude to the 
US Embassy for sponsoring this event.  This event was well 
attended by the community, and well received. Self-Help 
hopes to encourage the associations to repeat this type of 
event in the future.