Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ADDISABABA322
2009-02-05 16:08:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Addis Ababa
Cable title:
AU SUMMIT -- ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY MEETS UK
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ADDIS ABABA 000322
SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/FO, AF/RSA, AF/SPG, AF/E, AF/C, AND AF/S
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV AU SO SU ZI CG XA
SUBJECT: AU SUMMIT -- ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY MEETS UK
MINISTER FOR AFRICA
Classified By: AMBASSADOR DONALD YAMAMOTO, REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D).
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ADDIS ABABA 000322
SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/FO, AF/RSA, AF/SPG, AF/E, AF/C, AND AF/S
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV AU SO SU ZI CG XA
SUBJECT: AU SUMMIT -- ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY MEETS UK
MINISTER FOR AFRICA
Classified By: AMBASSADOR DONALD YAMAMOTO, REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D).
1. (U) SUMMARY: On February 1 Acting Assistant Secretary
Carter met U.K. Minister for Africa, Asia and the United
Nations, Lord Mark Malloch Brown, on the margins of the
African Union Summit. They discussed Sudan, Somalia,
Zimbabwe and the situation in the Congo. END SUMMARY.
2. (C) U.K. Minister Brown described as "fantastic" the
potential within the new Obama Administration for an
energized policy focus for Africa. He considers the
alignment of three key decision-makers (President Obama,
Secretary Clinton, and USUN Ambassador Rice) with strong
Africa interests to be fortuitous and an opportunity to build
on a strong foundation of international humanitarian and
development initiatives already en train.
SUDAN
--------------
3. (C) Carter shared the gist of disturbing reports of
imminent armed conflict in Muhajariya. (NOTE: Fighting
subsequently broke out in the town between Government forces
and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebels. END
NOTE). Brown indicated the United Kingdom had received
similar, but mixed reports of the impending escalation. Both
agreed that the GOS failure to appreciate the consequences of
its actions is regrettable. Brown noted a shared U.S.-U.K.
dilemma vis-a-vis the ICC indictment - that the indictment
gave license to JEM rebels (and others) to ignore the GOS.
He also emphasized the United Kingdom is looking beyond the
ICC indictment to larger and longer-term issues such as those
surrounding UNAMID and the CPA. Parenthetically, Brown
suggested that African and Arab states were now balancing
their support for Sudan on the issue of the ICC indictment
against establishing good relations with the Obama
administration. Brown and Carter agreed the GOS response to
the rebel activity revolves around the assets of the oil
fields in Abyei. They also agreed AU/UN Special
Representative Bassole needs active support, and the GOS
needs to be persuaded the international community is serious.
SOMALIA
--------------
4. (C) Brown and Carter agreed that the developments in the
Somalia political process are encouraging, but that the facts
evolving on the ground will ultimately determine the
prospects for the Djibouti Process and internal stability.
The presence of AMISOM, its strengthening, and the review of
a UNPKO mission are all integral to progress. Turning to the
composition and inclusiveness of the future government, U.K.
interlocutors asked what is the threshold for bringing in
Islamists. Carter cautioned that the term "Islamist" needs
to be carefully measured. The USG's concern is focused on
Islamist extremists. He emphasized the United States views
Al-Shabaab partisans as terrorists.
ZIMBABWE
--------------
5. (C) In discussing the agreement of the MDC to
participate in a unity government with Mugabe's ZANU-PF,
Brown indicated the U.K. views it as problematic, and Carter
said the United States would judge on the basis of practical
actions going forward. Both the United Kingdom and the United
States are skeptical about the prospects of success in the
implementation of the agreement and share the concern
Tsvangirai may not be up to the task of coping with Mugabe's
agenda and machinations. Carter said Mugabe's image would
have to become even more tarnished before he could be removed
from power; Brown agreed, adding the United Kingdom assumes
Mugabe will "screw it up." Both agreed they will need to
move cautiously as the new government gets installed. Brown
fully concurred with Carter's view that the donors must be
careful not to be accused of trying to undermine or derail
the new government.
CONGO
--------------
6. (C) Both Carter and Brown think the developments in the
DRC are surprisingly good and have come with surprising
ADDIS ABAB 00000322 002 OF 002
speed. While remaining cautious and vigilant, and
recognizing the political process needs to continue in
parallel with the progress on the security front, the new
dynamic is highly encouraging.
7. (U) Acting A/S Carter approved this message.
YAMAMOTO
SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/FO, AF/RSA, AF/SPG, AF/E, AF/C, AND AF/S
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV AU SO SU ZI CG XA
SUBJECT: AU SUMMIT -- ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY MEETS UK
MINISTER FOR AFRICA
Classified By: AMBASSADOR DONALD YAMAMOTO, REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D).
1. (U) SUMMARY: On February 1 Acting Assistant Secretary
Carter met U.K. Minister for Africa, Asia and the United
Nations, Lord Mark Malloch Brown, on the margins of the
African Union Summit. They discussed Sudan, Somalia,
Zimbabwe and the situation in the Congo. END SUMMARY.
2. (C) U.K. Minister Brown described as "fantastic" the
potential within the new Obama Administration for an
energized policy focus for Africa. He considers the
alignment of three key decision-makers (President Obama,
Secretary Clinton, and USUN Ambassador Rice) with strong
Africa interests to be fortuitous and an opportunity to build
on a strong foundation of international humanitarian and
development initiatives already en train.
SUDAN
--------------
3. (C) Carter shared the gist of disturbing reports of
imminent armed conflict in Muhajariya. (NOTE: Fighting
subsequently broke out in the town between Government forces
and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebels. END
NOTE). Brown indicated the United Kingdom had received
similar, but mixed reports of the impending escalation. Both
agreed that the GOS failure to appreciate the consequences of
its actions is regrettable. Brown noted a shared U.S.-U.K.
dilemma vis-a-vis the ICC indictment - that the indictment
gave license to JEM rebels (and others) to ignore the GOS.
He also emphasized the United Kingdom is looking beyond the
ICC indictment to larger and longer-term issues such as those
surrounding UNAMID and the CPA. Parenthetically, Brown
suggested that African and Arab states were now balancing
their support for Sudan on the issue of the ICC indictment
against establishing good relations with the Obama
administration. Brown and Carter agreed the GOS response to
the rebel activity revolves around the assets of the oil
fields in Abyei. They also agreed AU/UN Special
Representative Bassole needs active support, and the GOS
needs to be persuaded the international community is serious.
SOMALIA
--------------
4. (C) Brown and Carter agreed that the developments in the
Somalia political process are encouraging, but that the facts
evolving on the ground will ultimately determine the
prospects for the Djibouti Process and internal stability.
The presence of AMISOM, its strengthening, and the review of
a UNPKO mission are all integral to progress. Turning to the
composition and inclusiveness of the future government, U.K.
interlocutors asked what is the threshold for bringing in
Islamists. Carter cautioned that the term "Islamist" needs
to be carefully measured. The USG's concern is focused on
Islamist extremists. He emphasized the United States views
Al-Shabaab partisans as terrorists.
ZIMBABWE
--------------
5. (C) In discussing the agreement of the MDC to
participate in a unity government with Mugabe's ZANU-PF,
Brown indicated the U.K. views it as problematic, and Carter
said the United States would judge on the basis of practical
actions going forward. Both the United Kingdom and the United
States are skeptical about the prospects of success in the
implementation of the agreement and share the concern
Tsvangirai may not be up to the task of coping with Mugabe's
agenda and machinations. Carter said Mugabe's image would
have to become even more tarnished before he could be removed
from power; Brown agreed, adding the United Kingdom assumes
Mugabe will "screw it up." Both agreed they will need to
move cautiously as the new government gets installed. Brown
fully concurred with Carter's view that the donors must be
careful not to be accused of trying to undermine or derail
the new government.
CONGO
--------------
6. (C) Both Carter and Brown think the developments in the
DRC are surprisingly good and have come with surprising
ADDIS ABAB 00000322 002 OF 002
speed. While remaining cautious and vigilant, and
recognizing the political process needs to continue in
parallel with the progress on the security front, the new
dynamic is highly encouraging.
7. (U) Acting A/S Carter approved this message.
YAMAMOTO