C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ADDIS ABABA 003802

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/FO, AF/RSA, AF/E, AF/C. LONDON AND PARIS
FOR AFRICA WATCHERS. NSC FOR SWAYNE.

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/08/2015
TAGS: PREL ET XA AF UNION
SUBJECT: AU'S KONARE ON AU ASSEMBLY CHIEF, WASHINGTON
OFFICE.

Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES A.I. VICKI HUDDLESTON. REASON: 1.4 (B)
AND (D)


1. (C) Summary: African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson
Konare told Charge November 8 that Congo-Brazzaville
President Denis Sassou-Nguesso appears to be the most likely
successor to Nigerian President Obasanjo to serve as Chairman
of the AU Assembly. Konare also said that an AU team had
just returned from Washington to identify appropriate
premises for the AU Office. He reiterated his request that
the USG extend diplomatic status to AU officials in
Washington and New York. Separately, seven additional
non-African Ambassadors presented their credentials to Konare
on October 20. End summary.

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BUZZ ON THE NEXT AU ASSEMBLY CHAIR
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2. (C) Asked for information on the next AU Assembly
Chairman, Konare replied that he is adamant that Sudanese
President Bashir not succeed Obasanjo, and that "many"
African leaders agree with him that Sudan's assuming the
Chairmanship would be a disaster for Africa. Konare went so
far as to declare that he will step down as AU Commission
Chairperson if El Bashir were elected. He expressed
disbelief that El Bashir believes he is prepared to assume
the Chairmanship. (Note: Although the January 2006 AU
Summit is scheduled to be held in Khartoum, the January 2005
AU Summit de-linked Summit location and AU Assembly
Chairmanship. End note).


3. (C) Konare said that West Africa has had its turn and that
the next AU Assembly Chairman would come from either the
Eastern or Central region. Konare commented that there are
"not many choices" in the Eastern region. Ugandan President
Museveni is no longer a possibility as he has changed the
constitution to allow him to remain in office, Konare stated.
Tanzania would be acceptable, but the President is too new.
Konare said that Kenya is not an option because the President
is "ill." Konare concluded that Congo-Brazzaville President
Sassou-Nguesso is the most likely candidate to replace
Obasanjo. (Note: Konare has in the past expressed

reservations regarding Sassou-Nguesso's ability to step up to
the formidable task of following in Obasanjo's footsteps, but
other AU officials speculate that Konare has also grown weary
of the strong and "micro-managing" Obasanjo. End note).


4. (SBU) AU officials report that the next AU Assembly
Chairman will have been selected behind-the-scenes in advance
of the late-January 2006 AU Summit, but the official
announcement will occur in Khartoum.

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WASHINGTON OFFICE
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5. (SBU) Konare told Charge that a team from the Deputy
Chairperson's office had just returned from Washington to
research potential alternative locations for the AU Office.
According to Konare, the premises offered by Nigeria does not
have a large enough conference facility to accommodate all
African Ambassadors in Washington.


6. (SBU) Konare expressed frustration that the USG has so far
not extended diplomatic status to personnel at the AU's
office in New York and soon-to-be-established office in
Washington. He asked that Washington approve the request
soon, arguing that the OAU did enjoy diplomatic status in New
York but that he believes the USG revoked that status due to
differences of opinion on Libya that no longer apply.

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ADDITIONAL NON-AFRICAN AMBASSADORS PRESENT AU CREDENTIALS
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7. (U) On October 20, Ambassadors from Pakistan, North Korea,
Belgium, Poland, Russia, Mexico and Brazil presented their
credentials to Konare in a ceremony at AU headquarters.
These Ambassadors join the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada,
Finland, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Spain, Japan, the UK,
France, Norway, Italy, Serbia & Montenegro, Sweden, Germany,
the European Commission, Austria, Portugal, China, Greece,
Turkey, the Republic of Korea and Romania, who were
previously accredited to the AU. Konare told the assembled
Ambassadors that their decision to accept accreditation to
the AU shows their faith in the AU and in the future of
Africa.


8. (U) According to Addis-based diplomats present at the
ceremony, Konare said that despite Africa's many challenges,
the continent has potential. The AU has an important role to
play in guiding Africa's quest for good governance, rule of
law and economic development. Konare said that the AU is
working with the regions to achieve a United States of
Africa. He emphasized that the AU cannot be compared to the
old OAU, as the AU works not only for African governments but
also for the people of Africa. Konare pointed to the opening
of the Pan African Parliament, the institution of the
Economic and Social Council and the development of the
African Court for Human and People's Rights, in addition to
the AU's greater role in coordinating the international
positions of its 53 member states, as evidence that the AU is
relevant in ensuring Africa's dreams are fulfilled.
HUDDLESTON