CHANCERIESTHE DIPLOMATIC ATLAS

Ethiopian Troops Close Kagnew Station

1977-04-24

In August 1973, President Richard Nixon directed the withdrawal of most American Defense Department activities from Kagnew while retaining designated residual functions, and instructed diplomats to reassure Haile Selassie of continued support. The emperor's overthrow in September 1974 changed the political setting. Under Mengistu, Ethiopia moved toward Soviet military assistance, weakening the partnership in which the station had operated. [1] [2]

In April 1977, Ethiopia’s military government ordered the departure of American personnel from several installations. The United States had already decided to reduce its military presence and close the remaining communications operation at Kagnew Station in Asmara. [4]

On 24 April, Ethiopian troops occupied the communications site and escorted its American staff out. American officials reported that all personnel were safe while they arranged aircraft, negotiated access to equipment, and sought more time for the withdrawal. [3]

The withdrawal sharply reduced the military relationship built under Haile Selassie. The American chargé in Addis Ababa continued negotiating with the Ethiopian foreign ministry over the departure. [3]

Sources

  1. National Security Decision Memorandum 231, 14 August 1973

    Document 93: withdrawal from Kagnew except residual functions, continued military assistance and instructions to reassure Haile Selassie

  2. The Horn of Africa and SALT II, 1977–1979

    Deposition of Haile Selassie in September 1974; Mengistu's Soviet alignment; 1977 Ogaden war and Soviet and Cuban intervention

  3. Report on withdrawal of U.S. personnel from Ethiopia

    Situation report as of 24 April 1977; Carter Library, Brzezinski Material, Country File, box 21

  4. Secretary Vance’s memorandum to President Carter

    FRUS 1977–1980, vol. XVII, part 1, document 13, 22 April 1977

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Ethiopian Troops Close Kagnew Station. Chanceries Diplopedia. Record e19cb4c54d7d4244587d. https://chanceries.org/research/history/ethiopia-kagnew-d3815fdb02/

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