USAU: MEETING BETWEEN AMBASSADOR COURVILLE AND MR.

C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 000131 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/RSA (JOHN KELLEY) E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/16/2013 TAGS: KPKO MARR PGOV PREL SUBJECT: USAU: MEETING BETWEEN AMBASSADOR COURVILLE AND MR. NICOLAS BWAKIRA, AFRICAN UNION (AU) SPEICAL REPRESENTATIVE TO SOMALIA Classified By: AMBASSADOR CINDY L. COURVILLE FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D ) ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: On 10 January 2008, AMB Courville met with Mr. Nicolas Bwakira, AU Special Representative to Somalia to discuss the development of a roadmap for the way ahead in Somalia. ¶2. (U) PARTICIPANTS: AMB Cindy Courville, AU Special Representative to Somalia Mr. Nicolas Bwakira, USAU Liaison Officer Col Stewart LeBlanc and AU/UNDP political analyst Mr. Olabisi Dare. ¶3. (C) DISCUSSION: The discussion focused on that it is imperative that a roadmap for the way ahead in Somalia, complete with milestones and timelines, be put in writing and presented to the UN Security Council soon. The AU realizes that a roadmap cannot be developed in isolation and would like to pursue a joint effort with the UN. The goal is to develop an integrated approach aimed at improving political, humanitarian, military and economic capacity in Somalia in partnership not only with the UN but eventually with other stakeholders such as the TCCs, Perm Reps and potential partners. The question was raised about U.S. policy with respect to piracy in and around Somali territorial waters. ¶4. (C) Although often criticized by Partner nations, there was general agreement that the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) offered the greatest hope for success in Somalia. It is important that we build upon what is already in place rather than trying to develop a new entity to govern in Somalia. The TFG must be acceptable to parliament or it will have no chance of survival. The TFG,s problems stem from the fact that it does not do a good job of outreach to the people of Somalia or to the international community. ¶5. (C) Bwakira emphasized the need for an acceptable roadmap that would include the following components and identify the top three priorities for each: - A program for increasing public outreach (broadcasting intentions) - A strategy for ensuring safety and security on the streets of Mogadishu - Demonstrate overt signs of a functioning government such as providing essential community services, operating airports and a functioning court system - A long-term plan for dealing with displace persons Such a roadmap would not only encourage the increased confidence and support of partners but it would also provide leverage if the TFG failed to act. ¶6. (C) Bwakira stressed that the UN Security Council must view the Somalia problem as a world problem. The alternative to failure is a return to the rule of the warlords and the Union of Islamic Courts. The hope is that the international community led by the U.S. will shame the individuals and external actors that continue to work against resolving the crisis in Somalia ¶7. (C) NEXT STEPS: - AMB Courville will check with AMB Yates and AMB Frazer to determine when the ICG will take place, who will be invited and why South Africa was not invited to join - AMB Courville will inform AMB Frazer of the suggestion to hold a meeting between UN/DPKO reps and the TCCs, partners, Perm Reps and potential donors reference the roadmap YAMAMOTO