US embassy cable - 05DJIBOUTI568

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000568 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF AND PM 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/13/2015 
TAGS: PREL, MOPS, MARR, PGOV, ET, DJ 
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON ETHIOPIAN HELICOPTER CREW ASYLUM REQUEST 
 
REF: DJIBOUTI 562 
 
Classified By: AMBASSADOR MARGUERITA D. RAGSDALE. 
REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). 
 
 1. (C) Deputy Director of National Security Service, 
Abdillahi Mohamed Abdillahi, told Embassy officer that the 
highest ranking official among the helicopter crew that 
sought asylum in Djibouti 6/9 (see reftel) had been a 
"general."  It is unclear if this individual actually piloted 
the aircraft.  According to Abdillahi, the helicopter 
involved in the asylum attempt had been taken out of Dire 
Dawa and flown to Djibouti.  Djibouti had decided to hand 
over the three who commandeered the craft, Abdillahi said, 
because of an agreement among limitrophe countries that if 
property is stolen in an effort to gain asylum in a 
neighboring country, that country would deny asylum and 
return the individual or individuals and the property to the 
country of origin. 
 
2. (C) During preparation for repatriation by air, however, 
the pilot who had commandeered the helicopter created a scene 
on the tarmac, and refused to board the aircraft for the 
return.  The transfer was called off, temporarily, but later 
re-activated after consultation with President Guelleh.  As a 
result, according to Abdillahi, actual repatriation did not 
occur until the following day, 6/10, and it took place over 
land. (Note:  We have not independently confirmed. End note.) 
 
3. (C) The fate of the individuals upon their return to 
Ethiopia is not known at this time.  Expulsion from the 
military, prison, or execution are likely results.  As for 
the reasons for the asylum attempt in the first place, only 
discontent with the current political situation in Ethiopia 
has been cited. 
RAGSDALE