PRIME MINISTER PROMISES TO FOLLOW UP ON MCC CEO

UNCLAS DAKAR 000418

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

STATE FOR AF, EB, AF/EPS AND AF/W

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID KMCA PREL SG
SUBJECT: PRIME MINISTER PROMISES TO FOLLOW UP ON MCC CEO
DANILOVICH,S LETTER

REF: A. DANILOVICH-SALL LETTER OF FEBRUARY 13


B. STATE 022747


1. (SBU) On February 20, Charge hand delivered the
translated copy of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
Chief Executive Officer John Danilovich,s February 13 letter
to Senegalese Prime Minister Macky Sall (Ref A). Sall noted
that he had already received the English-language version
from the Senegalese Embassy in Washington. Nonetheless, he
was anxious to understand the letter and the timing. Charge
told the Prime Minister that the United States remains
committed to developing a Millennium Challenge Account
Compact with Senegal. We have made some progress toward
Compact development, and the demand study has been completed.
Nonetheless, the United States is troubled that key
commitments made in July and October have yet to be
implemented. We understand that a draft decree imposing a
legally binding moratorium on land market activity in the
Diamniadio area has been ready for some time. Charge also
noted that the MCC is proceeding with aerial photography as a
sign of good faith.


2. (SBU) The Prime Minister said one of the reasons for
delay has been perceived conflicts with the Malaysian housing
project, proposed free-trade zone and the toll road. Sall
said that he is satisfied that the MCC is aware of those
projects; so there should be no conflict. Sall said he would
discuss the proposed decree and other measures with President
Wade on February 21. He also said his choice of a land
market overseer would be the Prefect who is responsible for
Diamniadio, but he would also discuss that with President
Wade.


3. (SBU) COMMENT: Charge delivered the letter on the same
day that "Sud Quotidien," an independent Dakar daily,
published a front-page story expressing new doubts about
whether Senegal will ever conclude a MCA Compact.
Nonetheless, the atmospherics of the meeting were good. Sall
was not defensive and, on the contrary, seems anxious to meet
the March 17 deadline and move ahead with Compact
development. We continue to believe that making the results
of the demand study available as soon as possible would be
helpful. Septels describe Sall,s comments on the "Idrissa
Seck/Chantier de Thies case," corruption and the Casamance
peace process. END COMMENT.
JACKSON