BURUNDI RENEWS APPEAL FOR U.S. SUPPORT FOR TROOPS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUJUMBURA 000215 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/C AND PM; ADDIS FOR AFRICAN UNION MISSION E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/26/2017 TAGS: MARR PARM PREL BY SO SUBJECT: BURUNDI RENEWS APPEAL FOR U.S. SUPPORT FOR TROOPS DEPLOYING TO SOMALIA REF: BUJUMBURA 206 Classified By: Charge d' Affaires Ann Breiter for Reasons 1.4 (B) and ( D.) ¶1. Action Request Para 8. ¶2. (C) Summary: Burundi renewed its request for donor support for Burundian plans to send peacekeepers to Somalia, providing donors on March 23 with a specific list of needs. Minister of Defense Germain Niyoyankana told Charge on March 26 that Burundi would rely on U.S. support for the endeavor. The Minister also noted that the government had underestimated the number of troops that it would send, explaining that in addition to approximately 1,700 troops, it would also send about 300 other military officers who would serve in the command structure and as advisors. In a private meeting with Charge, the Minister expressed concerns about the increasing prevalence of Islamic extremist elements, saying that instability in Somalia could impact negatively on the entire continent. End Summary. ¶2. (U) Minister of /Burundi's Minister of Defense, Lt. General Germain Niyoyankana, renewed his request for U.S. support for Burundi's efforts to send troops to Somalia in two separate meetings on March 23 and March 26. Niyoyankana previously appealed to Deputy Assistant Secretary of African Affairs James Swan for support in bringing the plan to fruition (reftel.) On March 23, Niyoyankana and the Minister of External Relations, Antoinette Batumubwira, convoked key potential donors, including the United States, European Union members, Russia, and the African Union, to present a lengthy list of needs which must be filled before Burundi can achieve its goal of sending troops to Somalia. Minister Niyoyankana added that although Burundi's Parliament has not yet approved the mission, his ministry wanted to distribute the requests immediately, so that Burundian forces could move quickly once the Parliament approves. ¶3. (U) The list includes items as diverse as office supplies, sleeping bags and personal equipment, optical equipment including night vision goggles, trucks and bulldozers, aircraft and helicopters, water cisterns, cooking utensils, medical supplies, munitions, and personal welfare accessories. Embassy faxed the entire list to AF/C on March ¶23. Burundi also seeks financial support to pay salaries of $500 monthly per soldier, as well as monthly per diem of $750 per capita, for the three month long stint in Somalia. The Minister stressed that Burundian participation in the peacekeeping mission would not be possible without active, generous donor support. Although Burundi planned to send a 30 person reconnaissance mission to Somalia in February, the team did not travel because it lacked resources. ¶4. (U) In a private meeting with Charge on March 26, Minister Niyoyankana reiterated his government's needs, explaining that he planned to meet separately with those whom he considered to be the most likely donors. He specifically requested U.S. assistance because the United States has actively supported the Ugandan peacekeeping mission; the Minister was anxious to ensure that Burundian forces obtain compatible equipment, particularly in communications, so that the two missions would be able to communicate easily. Niyoyankana added that Burundi has underestimated the numbers of troops it would send. It now intends to contribute two battalions of 850 men each; in addition, it expects to send an additional 300 individuals who would serve as command staff and military advisors, for a total of approximately 2,000 persons. ¶5. (U) Charge assured Niyoyankana that Washington would carefully consider the requests, but added that the United States has not yet determined how best it could support the effort. She noted as well that the challenge will require a coordinated donor response, asking what, if any, support other countries have already pledged. Minister Niyoyankana responded that the French have offered to provide training prior to departure for Somalia, as well as transport capability. The French Defense Attache, however, told Charge later on March 26 that his government had agreed to provide training only. ¶6. (C) Minister Niyoyankana reiterated that Burundi is eager to participate in the efforts to stabilize Somalia. Burundi's government recognizes the significant contributions which the international community has made to Burundi's own peace process and believes that Burundian participation in the Somali effort would demonstrate the country's gratitude. In addition, it would allow Burundi to share its own experience in conflict resolution. At the same time, participation would give Burundi international status and experience, while contributing to the increasing professionalism of its military. Minister Niyoyankana hoped that a Somali mission would also contribute to the cohesion of forces within the Ministry of Defense. He stressed, as well, that given other countries' reluctance to contribute forces to the mission, Burundi's participation could prove critical to the success of the effort. In his private meeting with Charge, he also expressed concerns about the increasing prevalence of Islamic extremists on the African continent and the potential for resulting destabilization. ¶7. (SBU) Comment: It is clear that, although Burundi is willing to deploy forces to Somalia, it cannot do so without significant donor assistance. The Embassy will continue to coordinate with potential donors here to determine what type of assistance other countries may be willing to provide. End Comment. ¶8. (U) Action Request: Embassy requests that Washington provide guidance for a response to the Government of Burundi's request for assistance. BREITER