INTIMIDATION FORCES VILLAGERS TO INCREASINGLY

UNCLAS KABUL 004948

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR SA/FO AMBASSADOR QUINN, S/CT, SA/A
NSC FOR AHARRIMAN, KAMEND
CENTCOM FOR POLAD, CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76
TREASURY FOR LMCDONALD, WBALDRIDGE, APARAMESWARAN, ABAUKOL
STATE PLEASE PASS USAID
USAID FOR AID/ANE, AID/DCHA/DG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR KDEM AF
SUBJECT: INTIMIDATION FORCES VILLAGERS TO INCREASINGLY
REJECT AID IN KANDAHAR



1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Local NGOs in Kandahar report
increased intimidation by anti-coalition forces. This,
compounded by continuing corruption, creates an
extremely difficult environment for aid organizations.
Villagers are asking NGOs not to return. Corrupt
officials are impeding their work in other areas. In a
meeting with the Ambassador on November 15 in
Kandahar, NGOs asked for international help to push
back against this intimidation and recommended the
increased use of locally based NGOs. END SUMMARY.

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Intimidation Spreads
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2. (SBU) Leaders of local NGOs told the Ambassador
that villages throughout Kandahar are declining aid
for fear of retaliation by anti-coalition militia
forces. This is not a new problem, but they report the
areas affected appear to be growing significantly. One
NGO representative alleged that only fifteen minutes
outside of Kandahar City, Afghans were being
threatened with violence if they cooperated with aid
organizations. This worsening of the security
situation could hinder the GOA and the international
community in carrying out reconstruction projects in
rural areas, thus posing a greater threat to our
reconstruction efforts than isolated IED attacks.

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Continuing Corruption
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3. (SBU) Corruption and poor governance are also
serious problem in Kandahar. Both Kandahar's governor
and local NGOs complained about the lack of effective
governance in Kandahar province, describing pervasive
problems with district officials. For example, when
one NGO asked for permission to dig an irrigation
system, the district leader responded in a blatantly
tribalist manner, saying they could only work in an
area surrounding his tribe. The Governor himself
admitted that an ineffective district police chief,
whom he dismissed, did not have a basic understanding
of his duties. NGOs reported an increasing gap between
the government and the people and they requested that
the international community speak out with one voice
against government appointment of corrupt officials.

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Comment
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4. (SBU) The deteriorating operational security
environment for NGOs in Kandahar poses another
impediment to reconstruction. The intimidation of aid
recipients needs to be addressed through both
increased security measures and greater use of NGOs
that utilize locally based staff. Embassy is exploring
a pilot project along these lines in Kandahar.
Security is also getting further study.
NEUMANN