Ambassador?s call to Somali TFG President Yusuf

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 001336 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S FRAZER E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/23/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER ASEC MOPS SO ET SUBJECT: Ambassador?s call to Somali TFG President Yusuf ¶1. (C) Ambassador Ranneberger spoke with TFG President Yusuf the evening of March 22 to discuss the security situation and to urge restraint. The Ambassador noted that the TFG draft framework for the national reconciliation conference is positive and a basis for maintaining momentum to build an inclusive political process. He stressed that the ongoing violence jeopardized prospects to achieve stability through an inclusive process. While making clear the U.S. appreciation of the TFG's right and need to maintain security, he urged maximum restraint. ¶2. (C) Yusuf said that the TFG had no choice but to fight. "We have to clean out the city and break the backbone of those causing violence," Yusuf said. He specifically emphasized the need to seize illegal weapons and to hunt down Islamic Courts extremists in Mogadishu. He expressed appreciation for U.S. support for the national reconciliation process. He said that he appreciated U.S. interest in the ongoing situation and would keep us closely informed. The Ambassador indicated U.S. understanding of the TFG's legitimate security concerns, but emphasized that the violence risked deteriorating into an all-out clan against clan, sub-clan against sub-clan situation -- something that would gravely threaten the progress being made in building peace and stability in Somalia. ¶3. (C) Within a minute of completing the call, Yusuf's Chief of Staff called the Ambassador to elaborate further. The Chief of Staff said that the U.S. concerns are "entirely valid." The TFG appreciates the danger that the security situation could deteriorate out of control. The TFG is trying to limit current operations to 3-4 days. Every effort is being made to avoid civilian casualties, he emphasized. He also stressed that there were no plans to shell Ayr neighborhoods. "There will be no massacres on our watch," he stated. The TFG, he reiterated, understands the downside of using excessive force. ¶4. (C) Later during the evening of March 22 the Ambassador did an interview on Mogadishu-based Horn Afrik aimed at helping to calm down the situation in Mogadishu. Horn Afrik?s radio programs are broadcast on seven ?sister? stations across Somalia. The Ambassador highlighted positive prospects for an inclusive national reconciliation process, emphasized that the current violence jeopardized those prospects, and urged restraint all concerned. RANNEBERGER