Somalia - Conversation with President Yusuf

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 NAIROBI 002578

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S FRAZER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 6/21/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER MOPS SO ET
SUBJECT: Somalia - Conversation with President Yusuf


1. (C) The Ambassador, at his request, spoke with President
Yusuf by phone on June 20 to raise the following: the
amnesty, concerns about recent arrests, expansion of the
national reconciliation committee, and the desire to have a
more extended conversation with Yusuf during his next visit
to Nairobi.


2. (C) The Ambassador congratulated Yusuf on the amnesty
declared for members of the Islamic Courts and others who
have opposed the TFG. Yusuf made clear that this was done
to bolster prospects for success at the upcoming national
reconciliation congress. Yusuf asked that the Ambassador
continue to talk with the Hawiye sub-clans, particularly
the Ayr, to encourage them to participate in the national
reconciliation process. The Ambassador assured him that he
would do so.


3. (C) The Ambassador expressed grave concerns about
reports of numerous arrests taking place in Mogadishu. He
specifically called attention to the actions taken against
the respected NGO Saacid. Yusuf said that "I am struggling
with my cabinet and security people explaining that
indiscriminate arrests are counter-productive and telling
them that they must only arrest terrorists." He also said
that he has told them that processing of those arrested
must be completed within 48 hours, as required by Somali
law. See para 6 for text of letter the Ambassador sent to
Yusuf on June 21 regarding the arrests.


4. (C) The Ambassador commended Yusuf for his support to
expand the national reconciliation committee to include the
Hawiye/Habr Gedir sub-clan. The Ambassador said he
understood the paperwork to approve this was on Yusuf's
desk and urged that he approve it immediately. Yusuf said
that he supports expansion of the committee and that it
will take place quickly.


5. (C) Yusuf asked that we support PM Gedi's visit to the
U.S. Yusuf said that he would welcome an opportunity to
talk with the Ambassador at length in Nairobi, but cannot
leave Mogadishu until Gedi returns.


6. (C) The text of the letter begins as follows:

Quote.

Mr. President:

We welcome your announcement of a 30-day amnesty and pardon
of former fighters of the Islamic Courts, and other anti-
government fighters and political opponents. Such moves by
your government can go a long way to improve the overall
environment for reconciliation.

However, we are increasingly concerned about numerous
reports we are hearing coming out of Mogadishu on arrests
and detentions, including:

--Allegations of literally thousands of people being pulled
off the street or from their homes and places of business
without explanation or cause being given or known.
--Homes and private compounds being turned into makeshift
detention centers.
--The closure, confiscation of property, and detention of
staff associated with well-known and respected local
organization such as SAACID - which has been promoting
peace and improving the lives of women and children since

1990.
--Personal property, such as vehicles and computers, being
confiscated from numerous well-respected individuals and
their employees.

The above actions not only call into question the meaning
of the amnesty just announced, but are severely detrimental
to current efforts under way to achieve a national dialogue
and political reconciliation that will move the transition
process forward. We are aware that some individuals within
your administration may have undertaken these actions
without your knowledge and with the intention of
undermining the fragile dialogue process. We urge you to
make clear to officials within your government that this is
unacceptable and such heavy-handed tactics will not be
tolerated.

On several occasions, you have stressed to me your personal
commitment to ensuring the success of the national
reconciliation congress and achieving lasting peace in
Somalia. As we have stated before, the United States stands

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ready to support these efforts. We will look forward to
discussing these issues and others related to the political
and reconciliation process during your next visit to
Nairobi. End quote.

RANNEBERGER