IRAN PUSHES FUNDEMENTALIST AGENDA ON SIERRA LEONE

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000593 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER/ESPRUILL),INR (BGRAVES) E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SL SUBJECT: IRAN PUSHES FUNDEMENTALIST AGENDA ON SIERRA LEONE REF: FREETOWN 561 Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4 (b/d) ¶1. (S/NF) Summary: During a December 8 meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Zainab Bangura gave further details about Sierra Leone's bilateral relationship with Iran. Notably, she discussed the mounting pressure on small African countries to accept an African "consensus" regarding relations with Iran through multilateral channels. She also mentioned Iran's increased overtures to her government, which have only been rebuffed through her interventions. Despite Bangura's own opinion regarding Iran - she stated, in her characteristically blunt manner, that she believes it to be a country of "lunatics" - her tone indicated that she views Iran as an unavoidable partner, with entities like the African Union playing matchmaker. Though Bangura has played the role of chaperone to cautiously steer the burgeoning relationship between an eager suitor and naive debutante, and thus far limited Iran's influence in Sierra Leone, keeping them at arm's-length may prove increasingly difficult if external and internal pressures intensify. End Summary. -------------- AFRICAN PEER PRESSURE -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) Ambassador met with Minister Bangura on December 8 to discuss several critical issues, including the bilateral relationship with Iran. Bangura spoke candidly about the external pressure Sierra Leone is facing to engage further with Iran (Note: Iran maintains a diplomatic and cultural presence here, and regularly holds competitions and events to further Islamic religious studies. Their primary target appears to be school-age youth and the disenfranchised, such as people with disabilities. End Note.). For example, the African Union (AU) views relationships with Iran as an "African decision." The consensus within the AU supports Iranian interests on the continent, heavily influencing countries' positions with regards to UN resolutions on Iran. Noting that Sierra Leone was absent on Iran-related votes at the UNGA, the Foreign Minister stated that "the most you can do is stay away." When the Ambassador reminded Bangura that standing up in public fora to condemn intolerable and unjust actions and regimes is a sign of leadership, Bangura countered that Sierra Leone was attacked by many African countries for its public stance on Zimbabwe. Bangura discussed the difficulty of being a small African country, often forced to follow a consensus that is largely determined by more influential countries on the continent, such as South Africa and Nigeria. She also said that Nigerian and Senegalese condemnation of Zimbabwe at the AU Summit paved the way for Sierra Leone's own stance, implying that Sierra Leone may not have taken their position without their involvement. -------------- SIERRA LEONEAN INTERESTS -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) Internal pressures and machinations are also impacting the bond between Iran and Sierra Leone. Former Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently removed from his post due to corruption allegations, general incompetence, and insubordination (reftel),apparently has strong ties with Iranian interests. According to Bangura, Wurie planned a Presidential visit to Iran, going so far as to secure travel dates on the President's calendar, without Bangura's knowledge or consent (Note: Wurie is known for living well beyond his means. His insubordinate push for the Iranian agenda could indicate that financial incentives were provided. End Note). The Minister's intervention prevented the trip, which could have seriously damaged Sierra Leone's relations with their key Middle Eastern allies, Saudi Arabi and Kuwait. The Minister also ran interference between the President and a special envoy sent from Iran; rather than facilitate a meeting between the envoy and Koroma, Bangura held the meeting herself. ¶4. (S/NF) Ambassador subtly referenced the danger in aligning closely with a country like Iran, and the Minister responded by calling them "lunatics." Bangura refused to attend a Non-Aligned Movement summit, sending her deputy in her place. She stated that it would be inappropriate for her to be seen associating with rogue elements. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶5. (S/NF) Comment: Bangura's comments confirmed post FREETOWN 00000593 002 OF 002 suspicions that Iran has been vigorously seeking to strengthen its ties with Sierra Leone. Bangura has clearly played a significant role in determining the depth and direction of the bilateral relationship to date, providing Koroma - a statesman lacking experience with international politics - a better understanding of the "bigger picture." Without her intervention, it is likely that Koroma would allow himself to be wooed by the Iranians, especially given the Government of Sierra Leone's desperate need for financial support. While Wurie's ousting is a positive sign that Bangura is the guiding force of Sierra Leone's foreign policy, her frequent trips abroad may create opportunity for others like Wurie to intervene and push a different agenda. This threat, coupled with the possibility of economic deprivation and increased pressure from other African nations, could result in Koroma overriding Bangura's caution and pursuing a closer relationship with Iran. End Comment. PERRY