SOMALIA - Somaliland: "Terror Attacks Will Not Deter Us"

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 NAIROBI 002718 SIPDIS AIDAC SENSITIVE DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S FRAZER PLEASE PASS TO USAID/EA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PNAT SOCI ECON SO SUBJECT: SOMALIA - Somaliland: "Terror Attacks Will Not Deter Us" REF: A) Nairobi 2158 B) 11/28 Email to AF/RSA ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On December 3, Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullahi Mohamed Duale and Minister of Planning Ali Ibrahim Mohamed told us that despite the recent terror attacks, Somaliland will not veer from its democratic path. Ministers Duale and Mohamed said that Somaliland authorities have initiated a thorough investigation and they believe al-Shabaab is responsible for the October 29 coordinated terror attacks in Hargeisa. The ministers expressed sincere appreciation for the United States' support in the wake of the bombings and proposed counter-terrorism initiatives for us to fund. They also lauded the USG-funded development programs that have been instrumental in Somaliland's democratic reforms. They invited proactive engagement on the upcoming presidential elections and asked for our support of the African Union's assessment mission related to Somaliland recognition. The ministers also asked for U.S. assistance in countering President Yusuf's alleged recent efforts from Puntland to reignite conflict with Somaliland over their disputed shared border. An aide memoire (text in paragraph 12) underscored their support for the Djibouti process and commitment to combating piracy. End Summary. -------------- We Remain on our Democratic Path -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The December 3 meeting began with Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullahi Mohamed Duale and Minister of Planning Ali Ibrahim Mohamed graciously thanking the USG for its continued support and collaboration. Duale noted with appreciation the September visit of mission officials to Hargeisa (Ref A) and extended an invitation for us to return as soon as possible. The ministers strongly emphasized that despite the October 29 terror attacks, Somaliland remains committed to its constitution and the democratic process outlined therein. He said that no matter the challenges, all Somalilanders are committed to "the democratic program" and the upcoming elections. ¶3. (SBU) The Foreign Minister proclaimed, "We will not let al-Shabaab and the ICU win - we will show them that despite their efforts, we remain committed to peace." He underscored the pride that all citizens have in the constitution they drafted, passed �A;through referendum, and embraced. He noted with concern "the influence of a religious and ideological war that is converting our young people into something we do not recognize." ¶4. (SBU) Duale told us that after the bombing, the voter registration process had to be temporarily suspended but that as of December 1, the process was moving forward. The ministers appreciated the work of the USG-funded organizations collaborating on the electoral process. Somaliland President Riyale had made a show of his early registration to encourage people to get out and register. He concluded by reiterating that the attack of October 29 made Somaliland stronger and more resilient in its commitment to defend its constitution. -------------- Anti-Terrorism and Security Assistance Needed -------------- ¶5. (SBU) The Foreign Minister confirmed that the Somaliland authorities have taken a number of measures to ensure a thorough investigation into the October 29 bombings. He said that while the investigation is still ongoing, at this stage they have clear evidence that the coordinated bombings were al-Shabaab sponsored. The ministers said that they hope to see more U.S.-Somaliland collaboration in the security sector, in particular addressing high priority needs in intelligence training and cooperation, training of security forces, logistical support and capacity building. Duale said that the government worked hard on the proposal submitted to the USG (Ref B) and they look forward to a decision about proposed projects. ¶6. (SBU) The ministers told us that in order to avert another attack, the government is taking a series of measures: (1) improving Somaliland's counter-terror laws; (2) strengthening the Ministry of NAIROBI 00002718 002 OF 003 Religious Affairs and establishing a Religious Council to encourage moderate and culturally-appropriate expression of Islamic faith in schools and mosques; (3) reforming and strengthening the national security institutions; and (4) empowering community/neighborhood watch networks, including the introduction of a hot line for anonymous tips about suspicious activity. ¶7. (SBU) They asked us to influence the UN to shift Somaliland back to Phase III security status. (Note: Following the bombing, the UN pulled out its staff and identified Somaliland as a "Phase IV" country, limiting the type of UN engagement allowed.) The UN security reclassification impacts Somaliland's reconstruction and development plan and limits international election observation, thereby rewarding terrorism, they explained. -------------- Looking Forward - to Recognition -------------- ¶8. (SBU) The ministers requested a meeting with the new U.S. administration to revive recognition negotiations begun with then-A/S for Africa Susan Rice. ¶9. (SBU) They noted a recent assessment mission by the African Union (AU) Special Envoy to Somalia that they regarded as the next step following the 2005 AU Commission report of Somaliland. They were encouraged by the AU finally paying more attention to the case of Somaliland and said that what is most needed is a visit by AU member states which would be the arbiter on any decision regarding recognition. They asked us to closely review the upcoming AU report and for the USG to encourage the AU to make progress on the case for Somaliland recognition. We noted that any US decision on recognition would follow a decision by the AU member states and noted that Somaliland's performance in the upcoming elections would be an important component in the case for recognition. -------------- Problems Loom - Including President Yusuf -------------- ¶10. (SBU) As they did during our September visit to Hargeisa, the ministers noted the increasing burden of the internally-displaced persons from southern Somalia on the economy. They made the case for much greater engagement on the humanitarian front and told us the government has made it easier for NGOs to operate in Somaliland. Minister Mohamed noted that after a concerted effort, a NGO law for local NGOs was now complete and awaiting approval in parliament. He acknowledged the important role that USG-funded partners played in this process. They asked that USAID consider expanding its support to include tangible programs that will impact livelihoods and support economic growth. The ministers told us that the pressure of persons from the South could lead to increased tensions as people compete for limited resources and opportunities. ¶11. (SBU) The ministers acknowledged the support of the Somaliland government for the Djibouti process, and flagged their immediate concern with President Yusuf's presence in Garowe. They suggested that the TFG president was inciting conflict by encouraging a Puntland offensive in the Sool/Sanaag region. The Somaliland ministers asked for our assistance in engaging Yusuf on this issue, agreeing that the last thing that Puntland or Somaliland needs is increased insecurity in the border areas. ¶12. (U) At the meeting, the ministers provided us an aide memoire with their most important points. Begin Text: Government of Somaliland Aide Memoire, November 2008 -- Somaliland has been the victim of the most serious terrorist attacks ever seen in the Horn of Africa. The authorities are making good progress in their investigations. We believe the bombings to be the work of al-Shabaab. -- Putting the Somaliland issue to one side while focusing on Somalia to the south never has been a satisfactory policy. It is now clear that such a policy could lead to the end of the successful NAIROBI 00002718 003 OF 003 Somaliland state and the end of Somaliland's peace and stability. The Somaliland state and our peace and stability are under attack from the same forces who are spoiling the political process in Somalia. In order to survive, Somaliland needs engagement and support from the international community. . -- The Government of Somaliland wishes to see progress in the political process in Somalia and welcomes the Djibouti agreement. But this process will not come to a successful conclusion or be complete as long as it fails to resolve the issue of Somaliland's status. Somaliland is ready to talk to any government in Mogadishu that is in a position to resolve the issue of the status of Somaliland. But at the same time Somaliland cannot be held hostage to the lack of political progress and peace in the south; not if the political progress and peace that Somaliland has achieved is going to be sustained in the face of determined attack. -- We expect that the AU will take forward its engagement on Somaliland and are awaiting the recommendations of the AU special envoy on Somalia who visited Hargeisa recently. -- Planning for Somaliland's second Presidential elections in March 2009 is going ahead, although security concerns following the bombings have caused a suspension of the internationally organised voter registration process. -- The government of Somaliland has a very strong record combating piracy and preventing pirates operating from Somaliland's coast. We continue to offer our facilities and cooperation to the international community in its efforts to combat piracy. RANNEBERGER