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