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Friday, June 20, 2008

U.S. military's African outpost threatened by crime, not terror

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military's plan to help African allies counter Al Qaida's spread has encountered a different threat in Djibouti.

In 2008, the United States launched a project to expand its military base at Camp Lemonier while searching for a base for its African Command. The expansion was expected to nearly double the U.S. military presence in Djibouti to about 2,500.

Now, the State Department has rated Djibouti a high crime threat post. The department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security said the residences of diplomats and other foreigners in Djibouti have been targeted by both Djibouti nationals and the large refugee population.

"Endemic poverty, widespread unemployment, and a growing refugee population have led to an increase in criminal activity over the past several years," a department report, titled "Djibouti 2008 Crime & Safety Report, said.

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The study said most reported crimes included pick-pocketing and petty theft. But the department said violent crime, including muggings at knifepoint, were reported, along with burglary attempts at embassy and other expatriate residences.

"These incidents appear to have been the result of criminals observing the residence, employee movements, and security patterns," the report said.

"The government and community leaders have stated publicly their strong support for the U.S. and coalition efforts in the global war on terrorism," the report said. "There have been no signs of anti-American sentiment."

Still, the report warns of rising violent and other crimes in Djibouti, said to have an inadequate police force. The State Department said many criminals were users of khat, a commonly used amphetamine that tends to increase aggressiveness among users.

"The large number of unemployed males loitering downtown and in other areas frequented by expatriates allows criminals to roam undetected," the report said. "Visitors to the port, bus terminal, train terminal, and downtown areas of Djibouti are considered at greatest risk for street crime."

The report warned of potential political violence and civil unrest in Djibouti, 65 percent of whose population is composed of ethnic Somalis. The department cited rivalries between Arabs and other ethnic groups, failure to pay government salaries and pensions and delays in khat imports.

"Visitors are advised to avoid political gatherings and large crowds," the report said. "Djibouti's proximity to a number of conflict-torn states and the government's limited capacity to monitor border controls raise concern over illegal immigration and the possibility of cross-border terrorist acts. At least one anti-immigration demonstration by Djiboutians resulted in minor injuries."


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