BURUNDI'S DEFENSE MINISTER: TROOPS IN SOMALIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BUJUMBURA 000206

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/C

E.O. 12958: DECL: 2017/03/21
TAGS: MARR PARM PGOV PREL BY SO
SUBJECT: BURUNDI'S DEFENSE MINISTER: TROOPS IN SOMALIA
WITHIN TWO MONTHS?

Classified By: Ambassador Patricia Moller for Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).


1. (C) Summary: During a March 12 meeting with Deputy
Assistant Secretary (DAS) for African Affairs, James Swan,
Burundi,s Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen Germain Niyoyankana,
projected that with U.S. logistical and financial assistance,
Burundi could be ready to deploy troops to Somalia within two
months. In response to U.S. plans to transform the
Tripartite Plus Fusion Cell (TPFC) into a virtual cell, Lt.
Gen. Niyoyankana urged the United States to continue face
to face, facilitation to reinforce the commitment of all
participants. He reported that the integration of former
rebel forces into the Burundian military continues to be a
success. Niyoyankana considers training an army that
understands its role in a democratic society his primary
objective in the evolution of the Burundian military. End
Summary.


2. (U) This cable is the third in a series of three
discussing DAS Swan,s visit to Burundi. The first cable
highlighted DAS Swan,s message of appreciation to the
government of Burundi (GOB) and recent events that threaten
Burundi's progress. A second cable described DAS Swan,s
discussions concerning the PALIPEHUTU-FNL,s threats to
suspend their participation in the JVMM process.

3. (C) During a visit to Burundi March 11 - 13, DAS Swan
thanked Lt. Gen. Germain Niyoyankana for Burundi's commitment
to send 1700 troops to aid in the peacekeeping effort in
Somalia, noting that the contribution of Burundian forces
will assist the Somali government in Mogadishu to protect
itself as the visibility of Ethiopian troops diminishes. DAS
Swan added that stabilization of Somalia is a top priority
for the USG in Africa, and we welcome Burundi's contribution
to this effort. DAS Swan encouraged Burundi to consult with
the African Union (AU) planning team in Addis Ababa to assess
the needs of their peacekeeping force.


4. (C) Lt. Gen. Niyoyankana explained that Burundi wanted to
share its experiences in conflict resolution with Somalia.
Niyoyankana estimated that Burundi could deploy its forces in
Somalia within two months. He noted, however, that although
the political will to help the Somalis is strong, Burundi can
not financially support an operation of this magnitude. He
appealed to the United States to support the logistics of
moving the troops and related equipment to the field, and
promised to provide by the following day a draft list of
specific equipment requirements. Although a Burundian
delegation is currently in consultation with the AU planning
team in Ethiopia, Niyoyankana believed it would be necessary
to send a reconnaissance team to Kismayo to investigate
technical requirements at the site where Burundians are to be
deployed. He expressed particular concern for the protection
of his forces. DAS Swan said the U.S. would be prepared to
provide some support, along with other partners, for the
Burundian deployment. In a subsequent brief private
conversation with Niyoyankana, DAS Swan urged that he also
seek help from the South Africans in preparing for the
deployment, and suggested the GOB discuss with the Ethiopians
and Ugandans options for getting into Kismayo.


5. (C) Turning to security in the Great Lakes region, Lt.
Gen. Niyoyankana said he understood the U.S. desire to slowly
disengage from the Tripartite Fusion Cell process and to
transform the working group into a new virtual cell.
However, he advocated for continued U.S. hands-on
participation in the near term. The Minister of Defense
remarked that, as early as last year, Rwanda and Uganda had
decided to end their participation in the TPFC but were
persuaded to remain through the careful facilitation of the
U.S. Niyoyankana suggested that perhaps a mixed, approach
to a new version of the TPFC be adopted.


6. (C) Lt. Gen. Niyoyankana updated DAS Swan on the
integration of former rebels into the Burundian Defense
Forces. Burundi currently has an army of nearly 30,000,
including 9,000 former rebel combatants. Niyoyankana asked
for assistance to reinstate 7,000 families, as well as
assistance for 3,000 people who have been handicapped by the
war and training in infrastructure development. Niyoyankana
concluded that his primary objective is the training of an
army that understands its role in a democratic society.
Given Burundi's perilous economic situation, he noted with
concern that some demobilized combattants might be tempted by
financial or political gain to join factions whose objectives
may be detrimental to democratic stability.


7. (C) Comment: The Burundian military will need assistance

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to deploy its forces to Somalia. The GOB has made initial
contacts with AU planners and the Ethiopian National Defense
Forces (ENDF) but needs help getting to Kismayo for a
reconnaissance trip. A USG contribution, along with help
from other partners (such as France, who we understand may be
prepared to provide some training) will be critical if the
Burundian forces are to deploy within their rough two-month
timeframe. End Comment.
BREITER