    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [May 23, 1996]
    [Page 817]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Deployment of
    United States Forces in the Central African Republic
    May 23, 1996

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        On May 19, 1996, heavy fighting broke out between government forces
    and mutinous troops in the capital city of Bangui, Central African
    Republic. Early reports suggested that some 200-500 renegade soldiers
    were firing weapons, including rockets and artillery, and that they had
    called for troops from outside the capital to join them in the mutiny.
    During the fighting, prison guards reportedly abandoned their posts and
    prisoners were observed loitering around the prison. Although neither
    the American Embassy nor American citizens have been directly targeted,
    heavy fighting has been reported around the American Embassy, which has
    sustained some damage from stray rounds. At one point, government forces
    indicated an intention to assault a rebel stronghold very near the
    Embassy, but were dissuaded by the Ambassador.
        On May 20, due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation and
    the resultant threat to American citizens and the Embassy, I ordered the
    deployment of U.S. military personnel to provide enhanced security for
    the American Embassy in Bangui and to conduct the evacuation from the
    Central African Republic of private U.S. citizens and certain U.S.
    Government employees. Approximately 32 U.S. Marines entered the capital
    city in the early morning hours on May 21 and immediately took up
    positions in and around the American Embassy compound. They also
    deployed to the international airport in order to assist in processing
    evacuees and act as liaison with French military forces already
    positioned there. Evacuation operations began later that day, involving
    a U.S. KC-130 cargo aircraft operating into Yaounde, Cameroon. Further
    evacuation flights are planned. Additional U.S. forces may also be
    deployed in order to provide a means of safe passage for evacuees to the
    airport and to provide additional security at the American Embassy if
    required.
        The marines involved in this operation are from the Marine
    Expeditionary Unit currently operating off Liberia. Although U.S. forces
    are equipped and prepared to defend American lives and property, I do
    not anticipate that they will become involved in hostilities. U.S.
    forces will redeploy as soon as evacuation operations are complete and
    enhanced security at the American Embassy is no longer required.
        I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to
    conduct the foreign relations of the United States and as Commander in
    Chief and Chief Executive.
        I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the
    Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I
    appreciate the support of the Congress in this action to protect
    American citizens and the American Embassy in Bangui.
            Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    May 23, 1996.

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of the
    Senate.