Embassy Bangui operates in a difficult environment of extreme isolation, constant health hazards, and a chronically dangerous security situation. Political and social unrest caused the suspension of embassy operations for over a year in 1997-98; another violent revolution and army mutiny in May 2001 again threatened stability in the country. The shaky security situation caused the Peace Corps and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to close their offices, thereby reducing the U.S. presence and assistance levels in this desperately poor nation. This vacuum, along with a reduction in the French military presence, has been filled by Libya, whose troops are a major source of support for the regime.
Nevertheless, this small embassy and its energetic ambassador are actively pursuing limited U.S. interests. The consular section is mindful of its need to protect over 300 American citizens resident in the Central African Republic and is well organized to meet future emergencies. The section?s work in uncovering a visa fraud scheme involving Yemeni nationals is also commendable.
Diplomatic readiness, while more than adequate within the embassy itself, suffered from deficiencies in regional support in areas such as health care, financial management, and personnel.
Embassy Bangui?s reporting of local events has been good, but it should include more coverage of the substantial Libyan presence and Libya?s policies toward the country and the region. The embassy also needs to track more carefully the use and effectiveness of projects in the Central African Republic that are funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.
The Department needs to decide whether Embassy Bangui remains viable, balancing the advantages of maintaining a presence in the Central African Republic and the protection of resident Americans against the personal security and health hazards for embassy personnel, the limited influence of our democratization and other progress on the current regime, and the expense of funding an embassy with so few remaining U.S. programs.
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