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