TWO VIEWS ON SOMALILAND: HOSTILE FORCES TARGET

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000892

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/E
LONDON, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER
NAIROBI FOR SOMALIA WATCHER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2017
TAGS: ECON SOCI PNAT SO
SUBJECT: TWO VIEWS ON SOMALILAND: HOSTILE FORCES TARGET
ECONOMY, NO RETURN TO A UNITED SOMALIA


Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES LARRY E. ANDRE FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) AND
(d)


1. (C) In a August 1 meeting, the Charge d'Affaires (CDA) and
Poloff met with Amcit Youssouf Oday, a part-time resident of
Hargeysa, Somaliland, who stressed that "hostile forces" in
Somaliland are implementing Qstrategic plan to dominate the
economy as part of a wider agenda to gain political influence
in the Horn of Africa. Oday lamented the absence of the
United States in Somaliland, saying the "hostile forces" are
taking advantage of our absence. Oday observed that radical
clerics from outside Somaliland are buying into the economy
with the help of partners from Kenya, Ethiopia, and
Mogadishu. They are, he noted, positioning themselves across
all major sectors of the economy, including manufacturing,
banking, hotels, import/export, catering, and agriculture.


2. (C) The CDA asked Oday why the Somaliland government
permits these "extremists" to operate in the country. Oday
responded that although their numbers are relatively few, the
"extremists" are gaining trust by creating jobs. Oday also
said they bribe police if necessary. He remarked that
Somaliland is worse off now than five years ago due to a
weakened Somaliland government composed, he said, of
"underqualified ministers." Oday added that these "radicals,"
many of whom were Eastern bloc-trained former Somalia
military officers, have a strong bias against anyone with a
"Western" education.


3. (C) The CDA asked Oday his views on Somaliland's prospects
of gaining international recognition as an independent state.
Oday responded that Somalilanders will never go back to
Somalia after what happened to them under Siad Barre. He said
they would rather die fighting than become part of Somalia.
"With or without recognition, they will never agree to go
back to Somalia."


4. (C) As regards to thwarting "hostile forces" influence in
Somaliland, Oday championed the return of Somalilanders from
abroad who can compete with the "radicals" for commercial and
political influence. The expatriates, he said, are educated
and know how to do business.


5. (C) During a subsequent meeting with Djibouti's Minister
of Communication, Ali Abdi Farah, the CDA heard similar
sentiments in support of Somaliland recognition. The Minister
said that Somaliland's democracy is among the most vibrant on
the continent. He noted that in the very close election for
President, the losing candidate graciously conceded defeat.
"How open do you see that, anywhere in the world?" he asked.
The Minister stressed that while Somalilanders wish their
southern neighbors well, "there is no going back, ever."


6. (C) As for Somalia, he expressed exasperation with "Yusuf
and Gedi's inability to distinguish between moderate and
extremist Islamic Court leaders, and their unwillingness to
extend a hand to the moderates."
ANDRE