US embassy cable - 05NDJAMENA1418

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 001418 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR AF, AF/C, AF/RSA FOR BITTRICK, KENNY; INR, 
DRL; P/M; DEFENSE FOR TOOMEY, IKINS, LANGDORF; NSC FOR 
SWAYNE; LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICAWATCHERS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, MARR, MOPS, CD, Government and Biographic Reports, Bilateral Issues 
SUBJECT: CHAD: REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FOR REGIONAL MILITARY 
TRAINING EXERCISE BAHR EL-GAZEL 
 
 1.  (SBU) Summary: Post seeks Department support for a 
military contribution for the Chadian-hosted regional 
military exercise Bahr El-Gazel from November 10-23, possibly 
through ACOTA or another State-funded program.  The exercise 
was developed to respond to the African Union's call on each 
of the continent's five regions to conduct training to 
enhance interoperability for peacekeeping missions.  Our 
political commitment to improving these capabilities in the 
region would be advanced significantly if concrete support 
for this training, such as provision of mobile field 
hospitals, rations, or cots, could be provided.  The exercise 
also is an opportunity to emphasize the importance that we 
place on our growing military-military relationship with Chad 
and gives the Chadians an opportunity to demonstrate how they 
have benefited from ongoing U.S. training.  End Summary. 
 
2.  (SBU) The Chadian military is requesting U.S. assistance 
for a Central African regional military exercise, "Bahr 
El-Gazel 2005."  The Chadians have requested two field 
clinics, 4,000 combat rations; 1,000 field cots; 40 large 
tents; 1,000 sleeping bags; 1,000 sets of fatigue uniforms; 
and 10 modular field kitchens. 
 
3.  (SBU) Bahr El-Gazel 2005 was developed by Central African 
countries to respond to the African Union's mandate for the 
continent's five regions to each develop regional military 
and peacekeeping capability.  The exercise will include 1500 
soldiers from Chad, Central African Republic Equatorial 
Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 
Congo-Brazzaville, Burundi, Rwanda, Angola, Gabon, and 
Cameroon from November 10 to 23.  The exercise scenario is a 
border regional conflict, resulting in instability and 
refugee flows.  The operational component includes forward 
deployments of units to separate warring factions and begin 
the in-processing and protection of refugees and displaced 
persons.  Chad was selected to host the exercise to provide 
the neighboring militaries with a desert training 
environment.  An estimated 2,500 Chadian soldiers will 
participate.  The French military is making a contribution to 
the exercise. 
 
4.  (SBU) Comment: Post believes it is important to respond 
positively with material support for this training exercise 
and would appreciate a response from Washington within the 
next two weeks.  Several African francophone heads of state 
are expected to attend the opening of the exercise.  A 
tangible U.S. contribution will boost our visibility and 
credibility as a reliable military partner in Central Africa. 
 A contribution also enhances our growing military-military 
relationship with Chad, which has become an increasingly 
important partner in Darfur and in the global war on terror. 
The training might also help countries that are participating 
or considering participation in the African Union mission in 
Darfur.  This is an opportunity to support Chad's leadership 
role in a regional exercise of significant magnitude taking 
place in a difficult, desert environment.  Any support we 
could provide would be welcomed.  End Comment. 
WALL 
 
 
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