US embassy cable - 05DJIBOUTI368

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000368 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
STATE PASS USAID 
LONDON/PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER 
STATE ALSO FOR AF/E, AF 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, ECON, EAID, SENV, DJ 
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES APPEAL FOR FOOD AID 
TO DROUGHT AREAS 
 
 
1. (U) The U.S., French, Russian, and Chinese ambassadors, 
plus heads of U.N. organizations and the Director of FEWSNET, 
were convoked to Foreign Ministry April 10 to hear a 
Government of Djibouti appeal for emergency food aid for 
Djibouti's drought-stricken areas.  Citing hunger and a lack 
of resources, based on recent FEWSNET findings, Mahmoud Ali 
Youssuf, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, asked those 
convoked -- and especially the donor countries -- to answer 
the appeal. 
 
2. (U) Youssuf stated that Djibouti was experiencing the full 
effect of global climatic changes.  Situated in a zone known 
for chronic drought and dramatic floods, it is falling anew 
into an infernal cycle of drought.  He continued that the 
government was launching this appeal on an urgent basis in 
favor of those inhabitants in the North-East, North-West and 
South-West regions of the republic.  This would encompass the 
regions from Moulhoule to Laassa, from Dorra to Balho, and 
from Daoud Aouia to Galafi, affecting 28,000 persons who risk 
being confronted by famine followed by the extinction of a 
large part of the livestock on which they depend.  He said it 
was essential to intervene rapidly to service those most 
vulnerable, notably children, who would be exposed without 
any doubt to epidemics and other endemic maladies.  His 
presentation was accompanied by hand-outs of FEWSNET 
assessments. 
 
3. (U) U.S. Ambassador informed the Minister and those 
assembled that the U.S. is  providing 535 tons of food which 
could feed 30,000 drought victims over the next three months. 
The first shipments had arrived in port the previous day. 
Another tranche would arrive beginning in June, allowing the 
U.S. the opportunity to feed additional victims.  That 
shipment is expected to encompass over 600 tons of food aid. 
(Note:  The assistance being provided is development 
assistance under PL-480. It was originally aimed for 
refugees, but is being diverted to fund food aid for 
Djiboutian drought victims. End note.)  She said it was 
unlikely more food assistance could be provided in the 
interim, but perhaps other donors might be able to contribute 
to help meet perceived shortfalls. 
 
4. (U) UNICEF Director Thomas Davin advised the Minister that 
Djibouti would be well-served by thinking in terms of 
short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to deal 
with what will continue to be a chronic food shortage problem 
for the country. French and Russian ambassadors made 
inquiries on anticipated levels of need, but put forward no 
commitments.  The Chinese ambassador listened, but also made 
no commitment.  USAID Representative, subsequently briefed on 
the meeting by Ambassador and FEWSNET Director, will be 
discussing the matter further with REDSO Nairobi to determine 
if other avenues of assistance are possible.  French 
ambassador has suggested a meeting between French and U.S. 
aid agencies to discuss other courses of action.  That 
persistent drought, and a paucity of water resources, is 
putting pressure on food sources is indisputable. 
 
5. (SBU) Comment: While drought evidence is real, it cannot 
be overlooked that the appeal immediately followed President 
Guelleh's foray into these regional areas during the 
presidential election campaign.  Some of the areas made 
strong demands for economic assistance, development and food 
aid. End comment. 
RAGSDALE