ETHIOPIA-SOMALILAND: UK APPROACH - SUPPORT

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 ADDIS ABABA 002859 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF, AF/E, AND S/CT LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHER CJTF-HOA AND USSCENTCOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/19/2017 TAGS: PREL PTER SO ET SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA-SOMALILAND: UK APPROACH - SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT Classified By: AMBASSADOR DONALD YAMAMOTO FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D) -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (S/NF) Four British Labor Party MPs visited Somaliland the week of September 3. The group is considering advocating for the international community to consider some type of special treatment or &semi-recognition8 of Somaliland and a greater focus of assistance on port development, livestock market, and infrastructure support. The MPs are also advocating registration of voters prior to any election and seeking ways to promote security for Somaliland against extremist elements. The MPs also want to discourage Transitional Federal Government (TFG) efforts to take over Somaliland as well as repair damaged relations between Djibouti and Somaliland. A proposed visit of the Somaliland President to the U.S. would serve as an opportunity to support UK efforts on security and development. End Summary. -------------- Special Treatment -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) Ambassador met privately with British Ambassador Dewar and four Labor Members of Parliament, Alun Michael, Kerry McCarthy, Clive Betts, and Mark Hendrick on September 3, prior to their visit to Somaliland, and again with the British Ambassador on September 18 for a readout of the visit. The MPs expressed their desire for the international community to consider some type of &special treatment8 or &semi-recognition8 for Somaliland along the lines that Prime Minister Meles has suggested in meetings with senior foreign visitors. The MPs also urged greater U.S. engagement and support for Somaliland, specifically visits by USG officials and support for expanded assistance. The MPs expressed their views that Somaliland is moving in the right direction but remains very fragile. To avoid being a victim of extremism and to support development, a special treatment arrangement would help stabilize and promote Somaliland,s development. ¶3. (S/NF) The British Ambassador suggested later that the international community should also discourage the Transitional Federal Government from any effort to take over Somaliland. Clear focus by the TFG in resolving their problems and allowing Somaliland to continue economic development will help enhance regional stability. Special treatment for Somaliland by the international community may help promote this course. -------------- Development -------------- ¶4. (S/NF) The MPs suggested that port development; infrastructure projects, especially road construction; capacity building; and budgetary assistance will help Somaliland stabilize. Livestock market development can also help expand productivity and promote trade from Somalia to the Middle East of livestock trade. They cautioned that the U.S. should not focus solely on security, though Somaliland potentially is a target of extremist elements from Somalia and the Middle East. The MPs made it clear that U.S. assistance as well as influence with the World Bank would help Somaliland. -------------- Democracy -------------- ¶5. (S/NF) Ambassador Dewar briefed the Ambassador after the visit to Somaliland by the MPs. Dewar noted that during discussions with President Dahir Kahin Riyale, the MPs stressed that before local and national elections could take place, voter registration must be firmly implemented. Kahin hinted that local elections could take place now with voter registration later before national elections. The MPs stated ADDIS ABAB 00002859 002 OF 002 that this would undercut the democratic process. The national electoral board also needs support and assistance and the MPs advocated for assistance for the board. Another issue raised was the arrest of opposition members from the fourth largest party. The MPs pressed for their release. -------------- Security -------------- ¶6. (S/NF) According to Dewar, the MPs were impressed by the fragility of Somaliland and the need to enhance its security in the face of extremist elements from Somalia and the Middle East. With high unemployment and the increase in Wahabists and extremist elements, security is a severe challenge for Somaliland. Dewar noted the strained relations between President Kahin and his security chief, Hassan Duale. Better relations with Djibouti would also help security. Until recently, Djibouti and Somaliland had exchanged intelligence officers, but relations became strained and the special security relationship was ended. It is not clear of the causes, but improving relations would be an important step in enhancing security for Somaliland and the immediate region, Dewar noted. -------------- Possible Visit to the U.S. by President Kahin -------------- ¶7. (S/NF) The MPs discussed with the Ambassador a possible visit to the U.S. of Somaliland President Kahin. This would help re-engage the U.S. in Somaliland and provide important international support for Somaliland. In this context, the UK MPs suggested that the U.S. could do some of the following: -Visit to Somaliland by USAID officials to look at development projects, -Look at establishing possible livestock market centers in Somaliland, -Regular visits to Somaliland by USG officials, -Support improved relations between Somaliland and Djibouti, -Work with the UK on possible infrastructure development projects and capacity building efforts, -Work with the World Bank on possible loans to Somaliland. YAMAMOTO