THE GAMBIA: MUTED REACTION SO FAR TO MCA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000407

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/27/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KMCA EAID GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: MUTED REACTION SO FAR TO MCA
ELIGIBILITY SUSPENSION

REF: A. STATE 101248


B. BANJUL 386

Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)

GOTG'S MUTED REACTION
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1. (C) In the aftermath of the Millenium Challenge
Corporation's (MCC) June 16 decision to suspend The Gambia's
eligibility for Millenium Challenge Account (MCA) assistance
due to the GOTG's deteriorating performance on various
eligiblity criteria (refs a and b),the Gambian reaction has
so far been muted. Our sense is that, with all levels of the
GOTG fully occupied with arrangements for the June 25-July 2
AU Summit and related meetings, officials have simply been
unable so far to focus on the MCA eligibility suspension. As
reported ref b, Foreign Minister Lamin Kaba Bajo responded
in subdued fashion when Ambassador presented him with MCC CEO
Danilovich's letter advising of the suspension for delivery
to President Jammeh. Although one source said, without
elaborating, that Jammeh was "depressed" over the MCC's
decision, the GOTG has maintained public silence over the
matter, and we have been unable to get private reactions from
officials -- again, due to their preoccupation with the
Summit.

BUT WIDESPREAD PUBLIC AWARENESS
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2. (C) Despite the GOTG's silence, our contacts indicate
that there is widespread public awareness here -- and dismay
-- over the suspension. While government-run media,
including the national television and radio service, have
ignored the story, a privately owned daily, "The Point," gave
it front page coverage and also featured an editorial urging
action by the GOTG to reverse the deterioration in
performance on governance-related and economic policy
criteria that resulted in the suspension. According to our
sources, many Gambians are also aware of the MCC's press
release announcing the decision as well as statements by
foreign NGO's (e.g., Center to Protect Journalists,
International Press Institute) endorsing the MCC's action.

COMMENT
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3. (C) We believe that the MCA program remains an important
source of leverage in our efforts to promote progress by the
GOTG on human rights and democracy as well as the other areas
covered by the MCA eligibility criteria. The upcoming visit
here by AF DAS Thomas-Greenfield will provide an opportunity
to raise the suspension face-to-face with Jammeh and urge
action to reverse the negative trends in the GOTG's
performance so as to lay the groundwork for seeking
reinstatement -- while making it clear that for any chance of
reinstatement, it will be incumbent on the GOTG to
demonstrate concrete, sustained progress in reversing those
trends. Despite Jammeh's current preoccupation with the
Summit, we regard it as essential to keep the pressure on him
and his government to respond constructively to the
suspension through improved performance. END COMMENT .
STAFFORD