VICE ADMIRAL MOELLER'S DECEMBER 18-19 VISIT

C O N F I D E N T I A L MONROVIA 001438

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/28/2017
TAGS: PREL MASS MARR PGOV LI
SUBJECT: VICE ADMIRAL MOELLER'S DECEMBER 18-19 VISIT
HIGHLIGHTS AFRICOM ROLE IN REGION

Classified By: Ambassador Donald E. Booth for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (SBU) Summary: In a successful visit December 18-19,
AFRICOM Deputy to the Commander for Military Operations
(DCMO) Vice Admiral Michael T. Moeller attended the
activation of the first companies of the new Armed Forces of
Liberia (AFL) formed since the AFL was disbanded and
restructured two years ago. While the activation ceremony
was the primary reason for VADM Moeller's trip, the DCMO used
the opportunity of the visit to brief President Sirleaf, MOD
Brownie Samukai, a group of key legislators, and influential
members of civil society on the progress on the stand-up of
AFRICOM. With just a few exceptions, all the Liberians were
open to engagement with AFRICOM, and favored an AFRICOM
presence in Liberia, although there was still some confusion
of the role of AFRICOM despite a concerted effort by the
mission to explain AFRICOM. End Summary.


2. (U) Vice Admiral Moeller was invited to inspect the
troops and speak at the activation ceremony December 19 of
the first three companies of the new AFL (Alpha, Bravo and
Charlie Companies of the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry
Brigade). The companies, formed from the first 390 troops
trained by American contractors using Title 22 PKO funds,
will become fully operational by the end of 2008. The DCMO
also inspected EBK military barracks, which is the AFL's
operational base.


3. (C) VADM Moeller briefed President Sirleaf and MOD
Samukai on the status of AFRICOM. Both officials repeated
the GOL's invitation to host the AFRICOM command or any
element of it, but neither pressed the matter. VADM Moeller
responded that the question of the shape of AFRICOM presence
is still to be determined. President Sirleaf assured the DCMO
that Liberia would continue to consult closely with AFRICOM
"irrespective of the decision."


4. (SBU) The DCMO used the opportunity of a dinner hosted by
the Ambassador with key Liberians from the press, academia,
business, Muslim and Christian religious groups and women's
organizations to dispel common misconceptions and unfounded
concerns about AFRICOM's intentions, including building
permanent bases in Africa and the consequences of a country's
cooperation or lack of cooperation with AFRICOM. The dinner
conversation then turned to internal Liberian issues
including the fragility of the state, and the role of a free
press. There was a general consensus among the Liberians
that corruption was endemic to Liberian life and posed the
most immediate threat to stability.


5. (C) In a lively conversation at a luncheon with nine key
members of the legislature, VADM Moeller made clear the
distinction between the activation of a new command, which is
basically a decision made solely by the United States, and
how the new command will engage with countries within its
area of responsibility, which is a decision that must be
decided between the United States and its partners. All but
one legislator (opposition Senator Cletus Wotorson) were
positive toward strengthened Liberian engagement with
AFRICOM, and welcomed a presence in Liberia. Several of the
legislators, however, raised the concern that an AFRICOM
presence may attract terrorist activity in Liberia, something
unknown in Liberia today. Others pointed out there is
already a large U.S. presence in the country, so the
potential threat already exists.


6. (C) Comment: Vice Admiral Moeller's visit achieved its
twin objectives of highlighting the activation of the AFL
companies, a significant event in Liberia's effort to take
over its own security, and maintaining a high-level contact
with Liberia's decision-makers on AFRICOM. The question of
terrorism was high on the Liberians' minds. However, many
understood the risks, and President Sirleaf said she hoped
that soon "terrorism will be on the decline" with renewed
diplomatic efforts to reduce the causes of terrorism.
Booth