Somalia-Ambassador's Telecon with Hawiye Elder

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 001930 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E AND AF A/S FRAZER E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/04/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER MOPS SO ET SUBJECT: Somalia-Ambassador's Telecon with Hawiye Elder REF: Nairobi 1905 Classified by PolOff Hodan Hassan. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (U) On May 2, the Ambassador spoke with Haji Abdi Iman (Imaam) Omar, chairman of the Hawiye Leadership Committee. The Ambassador contacted Omar because of the leadership role he and his colleagues are playing in discussions with the Ethiopians and, most recently, with President Abdullahi Yusuf. Numerous Embassy contacts confirmed the influential role of Omar on the Hawiye political scene. ¶2. (C) During the conversation, the Ambassador noted that the current cessation of fighting in Mogadishu provides an opportunity for Somalis to engage in constructive dialogue on a way forward. He reminded Omar that the United States had consistently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and expressed concern at the humanitarian crisis affecting the residents of Mogadishu. The Ambassador also emphasized that in his conversations with Transitional Federal Government officials, he has regularly stated that the only way to ensure stability and security is through an inclusive political process. He stressed the need for the Hawiye to take whatever steps are necessary to marginalize extremists and those who espouse violence in the community. ¶3. (C) Omar expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for his public statements on the need for an inclusive dialogue in Somalia that were broadcast on local FM stations. He believed the United States can play a critical role in assisting Somalia's transition to a peaceful and democratic state. ¶4. (C) With regard to the recent fighting, talks with the TFG, and the National Reconciliation Congress, Omar made the following points: -- Fighting may break out again unless there is a ceasefire agreement and progress on political dialogue with the TFG; -- The Hawiye elders understand the concerns of the United States and are working to marginalize extremist elements within their community. As evidence, Omar stated that Hassan Dahir Aweys of the former Islamic Courts and Aden Ayro of the militant al-Shabaab were asked to leave Mogadishu. -- The cause of the recent fighting can be attributed to political marginalization of the residents of Benadir region. The TFG made unilateral decisions on appointments, diverted public resources, ignored its own Charter, and brought in "outside" security (Comment. He is probably referring to TFG President Yusuf's fellow Darod clansmen and possibly also the Ethiopians. End comment.) to enforce its decrees; -- The Hawiye elders appreciated TFG President Yusuf's respectful and cordial manner in their first meeting. In contrast, Prime Minister Gedi was extremely hostile and combative. He accused the elders of being imposters and having no legitimacy in the Hawiye community. At one point, Yusuf had to restrain Gedi from continuously interrupting the elders. -- The Hawiye Leadership Committee is interested in expanding participation in the next meeting with the TFG to include political and civil society leaders. -- The upcoming national reconciliation congress can "make- or-break" chances for political reconciliation. Success will depend on how well the congress is managed and the extent to which the National Governance Reconciliation Council can remain independent. Omar urged the international community to support the congress as long as there are guarantees of financial transparency and accountability. ¶5. (U) At the end of the conversation, Omar remarked that he looked forward to having a close working relationship with the Ambassador and promised to stay in regular contact. RANNEBERGER