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