Somalia - US Mission Officers Visit Hargeisa

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 NAIROBI 002158 SIPDIS AIDAC SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM ECON SOCI SO SUBJECT: Somalia - US Mission Officers Visit Hargeisa REF: Djibouti 117 NAIROBI 00002158 001.2 OF 005 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY. On September 9, US Mission officers visited Hargeisa, Somaliland and met with government officials, political party representatives, and organizations implementing U.S. Government-funded activities. The visit provided an opportunity to reinforce key messages made by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer during her visit in February (reftel) and for USAID to meet in Somaliland, for the first time in over two years, with its implementing partners. The government and political party representatives expressed similar perspectives on dialogue and compromise which successfully prevented a political crisis earlier this year. They pledged to cooperate toward free, fair, and transparent presidential elections in 2009. While they emphasized the need for formal recognition of Somaliland, the officials told us they are shifting focus to request direct economic assistance. All contacts noted the deepening economic crisis caused by high prices, food shortages, and the pressure of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Implementing NGOs noted significant challenges but emphasized the enormous potential for their Somaliland programs. All interlocutors asked that U.S. officials regularly return to Hargeisa to collaborate and strengthen the U.S.-Somaliland relationship. End Summary. -------------- A Working Visit in Somalia -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On September 9, 2008 Somalia Unit Pol/Econ Officer Jessica Davis Ba, USAID/East Africa Program Officer for Somalia Hodan Hassan, and two Assistant Regional Security Officers visited Hargeisa, the capital of Somalia's self-declared Republic of Somaliland. The delegation was met at Egal International Airport by Minister of Interior Abdullahi Ismail Ali, Minister of Civil Aviation Ali Mohamed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Saeed Mohamed Nur, and Head of National Intelligence Mohamed Nur Osman. The Somaliland government hosted the U.S. mission officers and coordinated the logistics of the visit. ¶3. (U) During the visit we reinforced Assistant Secretary Frazer's messages from her February trip to Hargeisa (reftel),met with our humanitarian and development partners, engaged with key officials and government interlocutors, and met with contacts central to the electoral process in Somaliland. We gained perspectives from USAID and DOS grantees CARE, International Republican Institute, Education Development Center, and the Public International Law and Policy Group. It was the first visit to Hargeisa by a USAID official in more than two years. ¶4. (SBU) We established new contacts in the security sector, including with representatives from the Somaliland police, intelligence services, and advisors with the United Nations Rule of Law and Security Program based in Hargeisa. The meetings on security-related matters will be reported septel. -------------- Somaliland Seeks to Consolidate Relationship -------------- ¶5. (U) We met with Minister of Interior Abdullahi Ismail Ali, Minister of National Planning and Coordination Ali Ibrahim, Minister of Education Hassan Mohamud, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Saeed Mohamed Nur. We expressed our gratitude to the government for hosting the visit and for meeting with us during Ramadan. Building on points Assistant Secretary Frazer made in February, we acknowledged that Somaliland's democratization process has distinguished it from its regional neighbors and is its greatest asset in Somaliland's quest for formal recognition. We congratulated all stakeholders for reaching agreement on an election timetable and returning to consensus politics. We especially praised their efforts to avoid violence and settle the political impasse through dialogue and discussion. (Note: In June, Somaliland's political parties peacefully compromised on the one year extension of President Riyale's term in office, a new date for presidential elections date, and an amendment to the voter registration law and electoral law to accommodate these changes. End Note.) Expressing our commitment to Somaliland's democratic development, we encouraged the preparations for free, fair, and transparent presidential elections in March 2009, based on a national voter registration exercise. ¶6. (U) Minister Ibrahim welcomed embassy officers to Somaliland, "the oasis of calm in the middle of a sea of insecurity," urging NAIROBI 00002158 002.2 OF 005 that it should be the first of many future visits. Ibrahim stated that the relationship between the United States and Somaliland is continually improving and that he sees the visit as a way to further consolidate relations. Ibrahim described the economic and social impact of regional insecurity that has resulted in an increased flow of refugees and IDPs. He said that Somaliland has fulfilled its international responsibility to accommodate all arrivals, treating them equally with Somalilanders, and giving them opportunities for work. The minister said that even without direct development aid or formal recognition, "We recognize ourselves, rely on ourselves, and view national unity, sovereignty, statehood, and independence, as the highest priority." -------------- We Cannot Eat Politics -------------- ¶7. (U) Ibrahim said that in Somaliland, peace and consultative processes are a tradition that will be maintained. He expressed appreciation of the U.S. commitment to Somaliland's political development, but insisted that political and economic development must go hand in hand. Ibrahim lamented that despite their best efforts, poverty is deepening. Drought conditions have caused more of the rural population to seek opportunities in towns, and an extremely high unemployment rate has resulted in idle youth which he described as "a time bomb." This pressure is compounded by high inflation. The price of basic foodstuffs like rice and wheat has increased 138 percent in the last year in Hargeisa, and between 350 to 480 percent in rural areas, he said. Ibrahim made an urgent appeal for direct food aid for a population "that is lucky to have one meal per day." ¶8. (U) Ibrahim told us the government has just finalized a five-year reconstruction and development plan that Somaliland needs the donor community to commit and disburse the USD 550 million required to implement it. The minister thanked the United States for its commitment to institutional development projects, but asked that we also focus on improving livelihoods through job creation and microcredit, especially for women. Ibrahim said that it is private sector-generated wealth that is sustaining Somaliland's economy. Ibrahim noted that the government has just approved a legal framework for Somaliland's banking industry and parliament is in the process of ratification. He told us this regulatory framework should improve banking facilities as Somaliland "moves past hawalas into a more sophisticated and transparent financial system." ¶9. (U) Ibrahim concluded that the political system can only be sustained with a solid economic foundation. Minister of Education Hassan Mohamud echoed many of Ibrahim's points about the fragility of the economy and the high cost of living negatively impacting Somaliland's 4,500 teachers. Mohamud told us that teachers receive only a limited salary from the government of about USD 50 per month and rely on individual contributions paid by parents. Mohamud asked for U.S. assistance to Somaliland's educational institutions with an emphasis on technical education. The minister lamented that Somaliland does not have a single vocational training institute, asserting that if its youth gained skills, they would have more avenues for opportunity. -------------- Security Concerns and Piracy On the Rise -------------- ¶10. (SBU) Minister of the Interior Abdullahi Ismail Ali expressed his concerns on the recent explosion in piracy. He asked for capacity building of the Somaliland Coast Guard "which is no match for the well-armed and well-equipped pirates now taking over the coastal waters." Ali said that despite limited capacity, Somaliland was successful in recently arresting five pirates from Puntland who were each sentenced to fifteen years in prison. The officials welcomed our commitment to combating piracy and our continued collaboration on security planning, particularly in the area of counter-terrorism. ¶11. (SBU) In our introductory remarks, we raised concern about mobilization for armed conflict with Puntland in the disputed Sool region, noting that renewed fighting would further deplete limited resources and undermine Somaliland's democratic process. We encouraged the officials to engage in dialogue to address the territorial dispute. To this Ibrahim responded, "Peace cannot be at the expense of our own territory and we have never been the aggressor in this area." The minister suggested that we engage Puntland "the aggressor, and caution that it should not provoke NAIROBI 00002158 003.2 OF 005 problems." In conclusion, the ministers reiterated their hope to have more U.S. delegations visit Somaliland and to continue to expand our relationship. -------------- We Must Make War to Get Your Attention -------------- ¶12. (SBU) To emphasize the separation of the executive and the legislative branches of government, Speaker of the Somaliland Parliament Abdirahman Abdillahi and Bashe Mahammed Farah, Second Deputy in the House of Representatives, met with us at the conclusion of the ministerial meeting. The Speaker began by categorically stating that the international community has ignored Somaliland. Unlike Somalia, Somaliland receives no bilateral assistance, budgetary support, or direct aid. He stated that with monthly salaries averaging approximately USD 40, basic needs are not being met. Abdillahi said that contrary to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) which receives capacity-building and salaries for its police, parliament and civil servants, Somaliland gets nothing. The Speaker said "We must make war; only then will the world pay attention to us." He stated that instead of focusing on recognition, Somaliland will stress its development needs. "With development, recognition will come," he concluded. ¶13. (U) Abdillahi addressed many of the same issues that he raised during an August 28 meeting with Ambassador Ranneberger in Nairobi, such as inflation and worsening economic conditions in Somaliland. The Speaker objected to President Riyale having improperly awarded livestock and oil exploration contracts. The Speaker spoke positively about the burgeoning political parties, representative of citizens from all regions, instead of being clan-based. Abdillahi told us that while Somaliland does not have working relations with the TFG, "We are praying for peace and mutual support of the Djibouti Agreement." -------------- Political Parties Appeal for Assistance -------------- ¶14. (U) We met with representatives of Somaliland's three political parties -- the ruling Allied People's Democratic Party (UDUB),the Kulmiye party, and the Justice and Welfare party (UCID). We opened the meeting by congratulating them for their efforts to return to consensus politics. The party representatives deferred to Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo, Chairman of the Kulmiye party to offer initial perspectives. After extending a warm welcome, Silanyo said that while Somaliland has managed to maintain its sanity in an insecure region, security and economic challenges remained. He discussed the global economic downturn, the pressure of refugees, and high prices and food shortages that are causing a humanitarian crisis in Somaliland. Silanyo concluded, "No matter what, we are determined as a nation and people to maintain stability, democracy, peace and security." ¶15. (U) A representative from the UCID party asked why the United States could engage directly with Southern Sudan and not with Somaliland. The opposition party representatives, like the government representatives, asked for direct assistance to Somaliland's political and economic development. They requested food aid with one asking, "Do we not deserve to be helped?" A Kulmiye representative emphasized the high regard that Somalilanders have for the United States, saying "Even our Islamists are pro-American - but America rewards its enemies more than its friends." He appealed for us to closely follow the next elections. "If the results are acceptable, the international community must do its part and reward us for staying on the democratic path." -------------- Preparations on Schedule for 2009 Elections -------------- ¶16. (U) All the party representatives agreed that the election timetable is being met. They said the democratic process and political parties are new to Somaliland and in urgent need of capacity building. They asked for assistance with election-related transportation, equipment, and training costs, and presented us with a proposal to assist all three parties. (Note: The proposal is a request from all three parties for basic office equipment, computers, supplies, and vehicles with a total budget of about USD 80,000). Jama Mohamed Omar, member of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) told us that most of the equipment for the voter registration process has arrived and the NEC will complete its NAIROBI 00002158 004.2 OF 005 recruitment and training of staff during Ramadan. The voter registration process is on schedule to begin October 14. Omar concluded that all stakeholders are collaborating with the NEC and "All Somalilanders are speaking with one voice on elections." -------------- Qaran Leaders Rights Still Not Restored -------------- ¶17. (U) After discussions with the political party representatives, we met with Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gabose, Chairman of the Qaran political association. Gabose told us that although President Riyale promised Assistant Secretary Frazer that he would restore all of the rights of the Qaran leaders, he remains disenfranchised. Gabose thanked us for following his case and for the recent intervention by the Special Envoy who directly addressed this issue with President Riyale. At that juncture, Riyale gave us complete assurances that Gabose can participate in the electoral process, not as Qaran, but as a citizen. However, Gabose told us that his court record has not been expunged, making him ineligible to register to vote or to participate in the electoral process. He stated that President Riyale will need to write a letter to the regional court formally requesting the restoration of the Qaran leaders' political rights. -------------- Challenges Exist, Opportunities Plentiful -------------- ¶18. (U) For the first time in Hargeisa, we met with USAID and State Department-funded organizations working in Somaliland: the International Republican Institute, CARE, Education Development Center, Public International Law and Policy Group, and Interpeace. Our partners spoke very highly of one another's work and the synergy between them. Several themes emerged from our discussion, including the vibrancy of civil society, the need to support capacity of governance institutions, and the challenges related to restrictions of independent radio in Somaliland. ¶19. (U) The newest USG-funded organization working in Somaliland is the Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG). Chief of Party Casey Kuhlman spoke about the organization's work with the parliament in the areas of legislative reform and capacity-building. PILPG collaborates with UNDP's Rule of Law program to support the development of security sector, environmental, and business legislation. The International Republican Institute (IRI) is strengthening the political parties and the parliament. Program Manager Danny Irungu spoke of the challenge of moderating the political parties' high expectations vis-a-vis the assistance IRI can provide. IRI is working with PILPG and Interpeace to support the upcoming voter registration drive/elections, as well as working with the parliament. A needs assessment of the political parties was recently completed and will be shared with USAID. ¶20. (U) Interpeace shared with us the progress on preparations for the upcoming voter registration/national identification effort. Interpeace is providing the NEC with technical assistance and hardware to carry out the exercise, set to begin on October 14. The equipment has arrived and the NEC and Ministry of Interior are in the process of hiring the hundreds of people necessary to staff the 1000 registration sites throughout the country. Interpeace's Somaliland program officer Peder Pederson asked for us to help procure 50 to 100 tents for sites in locations without any infrastructure. ¶21. (U) Education Development Center described the increasing challenges of operating in south-central Somalia with the worsening security situation. A large teacher training exercise was cancelled in the south in the last few days due to insecurity. Nevertheless, EDC continues to reach over 250,000 children through its radio instruction programming. Senior Advisor Sera Kariuki spoke of the great popularity of the illustrated folklore stories and its success of using the Somali traditional oral culture to enhance literacy. There are plans to publish similar stories for older children and to develop an animated DVD. Kariuki also noted the challenges of obtaining permission from the Minister of Information to re-broadcast the lessons on Radio Hargeisa. Chief of Party Said Yassin spoke of the successful training of radio practitioners from all over Somalia. He remarked that the radio staff from other areas in Somalia with vibrant competition among private stations challenged the Deputy Minister of Information for the Somaliland government's restrictions on independent radio. ¶22. (U) CARE spoke of its long history in Somalia/Somaliland and NAIROBI 00002158 005.2 OF 005 the USAID-funded civil society programming. Team Leader Tim Muia remarked that many of the local NGOs working with USAID implementing partners have benefited from capacity-building support from CARE. Muia spoke of the need to build the capacity of governance institutions so there is not an imbalance with better organized local NGOs. He also noted that local media organizations are challenging the government on its ban of independent radio. Muia suggested that the United States may be able to encourage the Somaliland government to allow independent radios to emerge. ¶23. (U) All of the partners noted the impact on the social and physical infrastructure of Hargeisa caused by the influx of IDPs from southern Somalia and refugees from Ethiopia. In addition, they lamented that increasing commodities prices and potential drought in the Sool/Sanaag have resulted in deepening of poverty in Somaliland. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶24. (SBU) Although the visit lasted only a few hours, all of our contacts appreciated the opportunity to talk with us on their turf. The visit and meetings received positive coverage in the Somaliland television, print and electronic press, making the front page of several newspapers. All of our interlocutors shared similar concerns about the economy and the welfare of the people of Somaliland. The relationship between the executive and legislative representatives appeared constructive and the ruling and opposition parties were respectful to one another. There were no concerns raised over the voter registration process or the electoral timetable, which is an excellent sign. Even our implementing partners seemed to be operating with a sense of synergy. The collegiality and cooperation among key actors in Somaliland contrast dramatically with the highly confrontational and divisive relations that characterize politics in other regions of Somalia. RANNEBERGER