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