Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06NAIROBI2781
2006-06-27 03:03:00
SECRET
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:  

SOMALI SUPREME ISLAMIC COURTS COUNCIL: THE WOLF

Tags:  PREL PTER PGOV SO 
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S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 NAIROBI 002781 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/26/2026
TAGS: PREL PTER PGOV SO
SUBJECT: SOMALI SUPREME ISLAMIC COURTS COUNCIL: THE WOLF
SHEDDING ITS SHEEP'S CLOTHING


Classified By: A/PolCouns L. Peterson, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 NAIROBI 002781

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/26/2026
TAGS: PREL PTER PGOV SO
SUBJECT: SOMALI SUPREME ISLAMIC COURTS COUNCIL: THE WOLF
SHEDDING ITS SHEEP'S CLOTHING


Classified By: A/PolCouns L. Peterson, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).


1. (S) SUMMARY: The formation of a Supreme Islamic Courts
Council headed by al Qaida associate Hassan Dahir Aweys has
raised concerns in the Transitional Federal Government about
the possibility of alternate governing structures becoming
more firmly rooted in Mogadishu. While one civil society
activist has tried to identify positive elements within the
Courts' announcement, in part by focusing on a stated desire
to continue dialogue, Post believes this announcement
represents a negative development with respect to the recent
Khartoum negotiations, if not a demonstration of the Islamic
Courts' true leanings. Post recommends a strong public
statement of our concern about the Courts' apparent bad
faith, as well as a reiteration of our call for action
against the al Qaida members sheltered in Mogadishu. END
SUMMARY.


2. (C) The Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) announced June 24
the formation of a Supreme Islamic Courts Council, with an
individual who met Osama bin Laden in early 2001, Hassan
Dahir Aweys, as its head. Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, until
now the public face of the (UIC),has been put in charge of
the Council's executive body. Initial reports indicated that
this Council constituted the formation of an Islamic state in
those areas controlled by the UIC, subsequent reports
described it as a sort of parliament for those areas under
UIC control, and a read-out from a civil society activist
suggested that this change was simply intended to expand the
administrative capacity of the UIC.


3. (C) The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) is clearly
concerned by this development. Deputy Prime Minister Ismael
Hurreh advocated to poloff a strategy of actively undermining
the Council's activities while also forming a security cordon
around Mogadishu. Nairobi Charge d'Affaires Mohamed Ali Nur
stated that the formation of a Council was anticipated, but
not so soon, particularly after the TFG - UIC talks in
Khartoum. Nur agreed that the creation of the Council could
represent a simple expansion of authority, but felt more

strongly that it was an attempt by the UIC to stand up an
alternate governing structure. Nur indicated there is some
uncertainty as to whether the anticipated follow-on Arab
League talks will really take place on July 15. The
formation of the Council does not necessarily violate the
letter of the Khartoum agreement, but does seem to violate
its spirit. Nur characterized the formation of the Council
as effectively expanding UIC control. (COMMENT: These
remarks come from an entity that clearly feels threatened by
the Council's creation, so should be considered in this
context. END COMMENT.)


4. (C) Nur noted the UIC has not had entirely smooth sailing
in recent days. There was a peaceful demonstration against
the UIC on June 22. (NOTE: There was a subsequent
demonstration June 23 at which Swedish journalist Martin
Adler was killed, an event some have laid at least indirectly
at the Courts' doorstep. END NOTE.) A UIC instruction to
turn in weapons has been rejected by a segment of the Abgal
sub-clan in Mogadishu. (Nur asserted that this involved a
majority of Abgal, but we have no way to check the validity
of this statement.) Nur also stated that the price of
weapons in Bakara market had increased in the past two days,
after a period of low prices in the wake of the UIC takeover,
raising concerns that new conflict may break out.


5. (C) Those trying to find positives in the announcement
claim Sheikh Yusuf Inda'Adde's refused to take up his post, a
sign that there is room for dissent within the UIC. (NOTE:
There is conflicting information on whether Inda'Adde has
taken up his position as deputy in the executive body. One
press report indicated that Inda'Adde had been forced out by
fellow UIC members for unspecified reasons. Other reporting
says he has taken up his post. END NOTE.) A civil society
activist was also quick to point out that Aweys had stated
his willingness to continue negotiations with the TFG. In a
press conference, Sheikh Sharif reportedly stated that the
Council would work to encourage, empower, and assist the
Mogadishu local administration. The civil society activist
believed that the term "administration" referred to the mayor
and support workers appointed by the TFG.


6. (C) COMMENT: While the dynamics in Mogadishu remain murky,
the formation of the Council could be a demonstration of bad
faith with regard to the Khartoum agreement or, worse, proof
of a turn toward more extremism. These were the same steps

NAIROBI 00002781 002 OF 002


seen in Afghanistan in 1996 with the beginning of the
Taliban. While we should proceed with a high degree of
caution so as not to eliminate all potential avenues for
dialogue in Modadishu, we must publicly register our concerns
about the UIC's bad faith and its ongoing unwillingness to
address the terrorist presence in Mogadishu. END COMMENT.

PROPOSED PRESS GUIDANCE
--------------

7. (SBU) Post proposes the following changes to the existing
press guidance:

U.S. Position on Islamic Courts
--------------
- We are concerned at the recent action taken by the Union of
Islamic Courts to more firmly establish its authority over
Mogadishu.

- This unilateral action appears to work against the recent
positive agreement between the Union of Islamic Courts and
the Transitional Federal Institutions in Khartoum advocating
continuing discussions on security, politics, and impediments
to peace.

- In order to adhere to the principals set out in the June 22
agreement, the Union of Islamic Courts should refrain from
taking actions that could entrench institutions that act
independently of the Transitional Federal Charter.

- If the Courts are truly committed to helping the people of
Mogadishu, they will work only within the only
internationally recognized channel - the Transitional Federal
Charter.

U.S. Outreach to the Islamic Courts
--------------
- The United States and international community have been
very clear in our commitment to work together with Somalis
from all clans, religious or secular in orientation, to
address our common concerns regarding terrorism. We call on
all groups in Somalia to work with us and our international
partners to bring terrorists to justice.

- The Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) is aware of this
priority. The UIC has stated its rejection of any form of
terrorism and claims that it shares no common objectives,
goals or methods with terrorist groups. We reiterate our
call for the UIC to demonstrate these assertions by taking
action against the foreign al Qaida elements sheltered in
areas under its control.

ROWE