DJIBOUTI BACKS SOMALI RECONCILIATION, OPPOSES

S E C R E T DJIBOUTI 000465

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/23/2017
TAGS: PREL IGAD SO DJ
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI BACKS SOMALI RECONCILIATION, OPPOSES
VIOLENCE


Classified By: Ambassador W. Stuart Symington, reasons 1.4 (b,d)


1. (S) Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti's Foreign Minister,
called in Ambassador on Saturday to voice concern over
violence in Mogadishu. He reiterated that the Government of
Djibouti (GODJ) opposes attacks on the Transitional Federal
Government (TFG),supports the reconciliation process, and
backs African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) deployment.


2. (S) The ForMin said he had just returned from the Kenya
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) meeting,
adding that he had personally endorsed the IGAD statement.
He said that he had also explicitly introduced language in
the statement on Somalia that was agreed to on the margins of
the latest African Union (AU) summit.


3. (S) The ForMin worried that the Transitional Government
and its opponents both sought to paint falsely Djibouti's
position. "We oppose violence and will not support those who
act violently" he said. He added if there is any allegation
of support through Djibouti, "we ask only to be given a
chance to investigate and disprove it." He then noted that
the opposition coalition statement from Asmara last week said
Djibouti was helpful in the IGAD meeting, while criticizing
other IGAD members. The ForMin said this opposition
statement was an effort by them to draw Djibouti into
alignment. Asked if Djibouti would denounce such an
alignment publicly, he replied "We recognize the Transitional
Government, not the opposition, and we will not respond to
opposition assertions." He said the GODJ recognizes that
international support was critical for AMISOM and the
reconciliation process. The GODJ welcomes initiatives for
support; he praised U.S. efforts and others, citing the offer
of help by the Saudi's as worth considering.


4. (S) Comment. Djibouti's largely Somali population is
increasingly alarmed at reports of casualties in Mogadishu.
The GODJ appears genuinely focused on ending violence and
promoting a lasting political solution now. We urged them
earlier to reach out to potentially constructive leaders of
the Hawiye subclan and business community. The ForMin told
me privately that they are doing this. Djibouti is naturally
enmeshed with all three of its neighbors and it is likely
that it will continue promoting dialog and advocating the
stability that is critical for Djibouti's (and the Horn's)
economic success and for its welfare. End Comment.
SYMINGTON