R 121613Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 2708

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 003083 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/SPC/MSG, DS/CC 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC
SUBJECT: ADDIS ABABA EAC MEETS TO DISCUSS CONTINUED THREAT 
OF TERRORIST ATTACKS 
 
REF: A. ADDIS ABABA 003065 
     ¶B. ADDIS ABABA 003050 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary: On November 12, 2008 the Addis Ababa EAC 
convened to discuss the continued heightened security 
posture of the Government of Ethiopia (GOE).  Ambassador 
remarked that the security arrangements are unprecedented. 
Ambassador and staff will meet again with the police and 
security, and will work with Washington on a public 
announcement and warden message on the growing security 
precautions being taken by the GOE. Members present include: 
Ambassador, DCM, CLO, CDC, CON, MGMT, PAO, DAO, OBO, 
POL/ECON, RSO, USAID, ORA and the United States 
Mission to the African Union. End Summary. 
 
¶2. (SBU) On November 12, 2008 the Addis Ababa EAC convened to 
discuss the heightened security posture of the 
Government of Ethiopia (GOE)in response to intelligence 
reports of potential threats of terrorist attacks, 
specifically in Addis Ababa.  RSO briefed EAC that GOE 
continued to maintain an increased security posture in 
Addis Ababa.  While there is no specific threat information, 
the GOE is sufficiently concerned that it held a special 
meeting yesterday of security offices to detail preparations 
for disrupting a potential attack.  Thus far, it remains 
unclear the method, timing or possible targets of any 
potential attack.  Post continues to monitor the security 
situation, review travel and implement restrictions as 
required. 
 
Actions to be Taken: 
 
¶3.  (SBU) Cancellation of events:  COM, in agreement with the 
DCM, RSO and other members of the team, decided to cancel the 
venue for the Marine Ball at a hotel without sufficient 
security.  Due to the decision, the Ball was not moved to 
another location and was cancelled entirely.  The COM ordered 
U.S. direct hires and dependents not to participate in the 
Great Ethiopian Run (10 km road race) which will attract over 
30,000 runners, primarily Ethiopians, diplomats and foreign 
residents, scheduled for November 23, 2008.  The COM and DCM 
met with the FSN committee and urged the LES staff not to 
participate.  However, as Ethiopian citizens, some may 
participate as individuals without Embassy connection. 
Further, if Mission staff or their dependents participate 
they may face 
disciplinary action. 
 
¶4.  The Embassy conducted a town meeting over the weekend and 
discussed with the American community the heightened security 
precautions being taken by the GOE, and reminded the 
community of our own issued warden messages and public 
announcements on being mindful of the current security in 
Ethiopia. 
 
¶5. (SBU) EAC members agreed that the Mission's security 
posture continues to be appropriate for current 
environment.  The EAC agreed to work with Washington on a 
public announcement and/or warden message to the general 
American community informing the public about the Embassy's 
decision not to participate in the Great Ethiopian 
Run and to remind the American community of prior warden 
messages and public announcements about the heightened state 
of security. RSO will issue a security notice informing all 
Mission personnel, both American and LES, and family members 
of the COM's decisions to order U.S. direct hires and 
dependents not to participate in the Great Ethiopian Run and 
security issues. 
 
¶6. (SBU) COM and his team will be meeting again with police 
and security personnel to inform them of actions being taken 
by the Embassy in response to the security situation and to 
reinforce our already very close and cooperative security 
coordination efforts. Post will continue to monitor the 
situation and 
report immediately to the Department and Africa Bureau of any 
change in situation. 
 
¶7. (SBU)  Final Comment:  The security precautions being 
taken by the GOE are unprecedented and are certainly in 
response to GOE intelligence reports and views in Ethiopia 
that it would be the next target for extremists in the 
aftermath of the suicide bombings in Somaliland and Puntland. 
 The Embassy has taken great precaution not to raise undue 
anxiety but to remain consistent in our messaging to be 
careful and observant. 
YAMAMOTO