SOMALI SUPREME ISLAMIC COURTS COUNCIL: THE WOLF

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