NIGERIA: UWECHUE SAYS GON WILL CONSIDER

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 000263

SIPDIS


CAIRO FOR MAXSTADT
PARIS FOR NEARY


E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/06/2013
TAGS: PREL MOPS MASS KPKO NI IV
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: UWECHUE SAYS GON WILL CONSIDER
INVOLVEMENT IN CDI FORCE AFTER PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS


CLASSIFIED BY AMBASSADOR HOWARD F. JETER FOR REASONS 1.5
(B) AND (D).



1. (C) During a January 9 meeting with Ambassador Jeter,
Nigerian Special Presidential Envoy on Conflict Resolution
Ambassador Raph Uwechue discussed the evolving crisis in
Cote d'Ivoire and the possibility of Nigerian involvement
in the ECOWAS peacekeeping force deploying to the country.



2. (C) Uwechue said the GON was unlikely to consider
participation in the ECOWAS force until after Nigeria's
April presidential elections. Uwechue added that President
Obasanjo would have more time to focus on Cote d'Ivoire now
that he has won the PDP nomination and feels comfortable
about winning the general election.



3. (C) Noting that Nigeria had been noticeably "missing in
action" during much of the Ivoirien crisis and peace
negotiations, Ambassador said that even if Nigeria could
not participate in the ECOWAS peacekeeping force, it should
lend its weight to find a diplomatic and political solution
to the crisis. Uwechue agreed whole-heartedly and asked
the Ambassador to carry this message to President Obasanjo.



4. (C) COMMENT: Subsequent to the meeting with Uwechue,
who is a seasoned and sophisticated diplomat, Ambassador
has discussed with President Obasanjo the need for greater
Nigerian diplomatic engagement on Cote d'Ivoire. From what
we have seen of Nigerian efforts in the past few weeks, our
entreaty seems to be paying off. END COMMENT.
JETER