SOMALIA - US CITIZENS

UNCLAS NAIROBI 005407 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E, AF/RSA, AND A/S FRAZER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER ASEC CASC SO KE SUBJECT: SOMALIA - US CITIZENS REF: 06STATE 90734 ¶1. A variety of reporting indicates that there are a significant number of U.S. citizens in Somalia (particularly in Mogadishu),although we have no reliable statistics. Our clear impression is that most are duel nationals. A number of Amcits are in parliament and/or are players elsewhere on the national scene. ¶2. As the current situation in Somalia has unfolded, only 3 American citizens in Mogadishu have contacted us for assistance and we received only one welfare/whereabouts call. All had Somali surnames. ¶3. We have made clear to TFG Foreign Minister Hurre that we hold the TFG responsible to help ensure the security of American citizens, regardless of their political views, and that we would want to be informed immediately regarding any arrests of American citizens. We requested Embassy Addis to inform the Ethiopian authorities that, given their ongoing military intervention, we expect them to help ensure the safety of American citizens as well. Our current Travel Warning on Somalia (reftel) for some time has made it clear that Amcits are advised the USG cannot provide services to Amcits in Somalia and that there is no US Embassy or other US diplomatic presence there. RANNEBERGER