Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07DARESSALAAM1236
2007-09-06 13:37:00
SECRET
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Cable title:  

"CREDIBLE VOICE" REJECTING VIOLENCE IN TANZANIA

Tags:  KPAO TZ 
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VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHDR #1236 2491337
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
P 061337Z SEP 07
FM AMEMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6738
S E C R E T DAR ES SALAAM 001236 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E RACHEL MEYERS, CTCC JAMES VAN DE VELDE,
AF/PDPA, IIP

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/06/2032
TAGS: KPAO TZ
SUBJECT: "CREDIBLE VOICE" REJECTING VIOLENCE IN TANZANIA

REF: STATE 122288

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission D. Purnell Delly for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

S E C R E T DAR ES SALAAM 001236

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E RACHEL MEYERS, CTCC JAMES VAN DE VELDE,
AF/PDPA, IIP

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/06/2032
TAGS: KPAO TZ
SUBJECT: "CREDIBLE VOICE" REJECTING VIOLENCE IN TANZANIA

REF: STATE 122288

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission D. Purnell Delly for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (S) Per reftel, Post submits the name of Sheikh Musa
Kundecha as a person of great credibility and influence in
the Muslim community of Tanzania who offers an alternative
view to Islamic extremism.


2. (SBU) Sheikh Musa Kundecha is a charismatic, populist
leader working to improve the lives of ordinary Tanzanians.
His ideology is built on the concept that people who have
food, security, work, and basic resources will live peaceful
lives, and not succumb to extremism. Kundecha has publicly
stated that Tanzanian Muslims should reject the jihadist
messages originating in the middle east and southeast Asia,
and ensure that the violence plaguing those regions does not
infiltrate Tanzania. He is strongly opposed to violence and
extremism as forms of jihad, preaching that such violence
creates chaos, worsens poverty, and leads to government
oppression of Muslims.


3. (C) Kundecha has proven to be "thorn in the side" of the
Government of Tanzania, frequently agitating for the GOT to
do more to provide basic services such as water, roads, and
healthcare. His promotion of themes of anti-corruption and
good governance, as well as his calling on the government to
curb wasteful spending, have angered some within the GOT.
However, these themes form an integral part of his message of
poverty alleviation. Post is not aware that Kundecha has any
enemies other than politicians he may have irritated.


4. (SBU) In furtherance of his desire to alleviate poverty,
Kundecha has established a primary school and two vocational
centers providing training in tailoring, computers,
machinery, and bookkeeping. Kundecha has traveled throughout
Tanzania carrying his message, and has been warmly received
across the country. His audience is comprised primarily of
Muslims of humble means (which includes most Tanzanian
Muslims),and he has the potential to have great influence
within this group. Kundecha is an excellent public speaker,
and his primary forums are mosques and religious gatherings.
Post is not aware that he has traveled extensively or focused
his message outside of Tanzania.


5. (SBU) Kundecha is a Sunni Muslim, and is the head of the
Shura Council of Imams in Tanzania. He is 45 years old, has
two wives and three young children, and resides in Dar es
Salaam. Kundecha is a native Tanzanian of African ethnicity
(tribal group unknown). He speaks Swahili and very good
English, although he appears more comfortable using a
translator when conversing with English speakers.


6. (S) Kundecha is reportedly critical of U.S. policy in
Iraq, but he is not otherwise critical of the U.S. His
message is directed at a domestic audience, and he appears
largely unconcerned with foreign affairs. However, during
the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, Kundecha was approached by
the Iranian Embassy in Dar es Salaam to support a rally of
his followers against Israel. He agreed, in exchange for
Iranian financial support of his charitable programs. Post's
perception is that while Kundecha does not trust the
Iranians, he is highly practical.


7. (S) Post has not approached Kundecha regarding support for
any joint endeavor. Post's Office of Regional Affairs has
had limited contact with Kundecha. Kundecha may shy away
from U.S. contact out of disinterest or a concern that such
an association would damage his credibility. If he is
contacted, he will likely seek support for his charitable
endeavors. As such, an expression of interest in his
programs appears an ideal means for approaching Kundecha.


GREEN