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| January 25, 2009 |
Reporting from Abece-January 25 (corrected copy)
This year there are more humanitarians than ever before headquartered in Abece. They serve all of eastern Chad. Unfortunately that means there is more crime than ever before in Abece. For the most part, aid workers use land cruisers to get around. When leaving town they travel in convoys of no less than three vehicles. In an atmosphere of impunity, hijacking is the norm. The thieves cut the roof off the rear of the cars and then they can fill them with men and weapons. Its a crazy, dangerous place.
In an attempt to stem the overall violence in Chad, the government recently engaged in a bold arms seizure initiative. In N'djamena in late December, all cell networks were cut, road blocks were set up, Hadjerai Generals were arrested and gendarmes went from house to house, searching and seizing weapons. By most accounts the operation was professional and successful.
In Abece, seizures occurred in January. There are some reports of rape and robbery but perhaps by criminals, not the gendarmes. It is impossible to know who is committing crimes since every armed thug wears a uniform here. You can buy them for about 5 (US) dollars in the marketplace.
David and I have received three briefings from disparate officials in N"Djamena and in Abece. Yesterday, we were assured that aside from the everyday crimes, in the big picture (rebel activity) things are relatively quiet. This morning there is another story afloat; that the Chadian rebel groups have finally united under Tima Erdimi, (nephew of Chadian President Deby) and an attack upon N'Djamena is expected. The rebels are currently across the border, in Darfur. If the rumor is true, they would pass through Goz Beida, heading for N'Djamena or about Feb 2. We have cannot confirm this. But this is Chad. Layers upon layers.
In the meantime, the weather is ideal here. Had dinner last night at a new, very nice restaurant where I was able to meet some EUFOR soldiers who had just arrived. They will be here for 3 months. They were from Belgium, Finland, Poland, France Romania, Sweden—the Irish are stationed in Goz Beida. We will be flying there tomorrow.
My old friend Ettie Higgins is here! We met in Darfur in 2004, and again in 2006. We stayed in touch while Ettie transferred to CAR. I traveled there with her last year. And now she is here. EXCELLENT to see her again.