Cablegate: Ethiopia: Equipment Request for Darfur

VZCZCXRO5949
PP RUEHROV
DE RUEHDS #3099 2951410
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 221410Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8231
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 003099

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF, AF/E, AF/RSA, AND PM

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPKO PREL EAID MASS ET SU
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA: EQUIPMENT REQUEST FOR DARFUR
PEACEKEEPING TROOPS

1. (SBU) AmEmbassy Addis Ababa supports the application of
peacekeeping (PKO) funds toward the Ethiopian National
Defense Force (ENDF) to equip ENDF troops heading to Darfur
to serve as peacekeepers. The GOE has requested that the
U.S. provide night vision goggles, bulletproof vests, tents,
and sleeping bags for 5,000 troops.

2. (SBU) Ethiopia is a key strategic partner of the U.S. in
the Horn of Africa and the reinforcement of the United
Nations/African Union Peacekeeping force in Darfur is a high
U.S. policy priority in the region. Similarly, the United
States has long sought to improve the ability of
Ethiopia--Africa's second largest contributor of troops to UN
peacekeeping operations--to participate in regional and
international peacekeeping missions. The provision of this
equipment to the ENDF will allow the military to fill a
critical shortage and accelerate their deployment to Darfur.
MALAC

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