KOROMA MAKES PROGRESS ON DRUGS; WE URGE SWIFTER

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 FREETOWN 000078

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER/ESPRUILL) AND AF/EPS
BRUSSELS FOR DEA (TSCARANTINO)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID PHUM MASS SNAR PINR SL
SUBJECT: KOROMA MAKES PROGRESS ON DRUGS; WE URGE SWIFTER
MOVEMENT ON HUMAN RIGHTS

REF: A. 08 STATE 117985

B. STATE 18222

C. FREETOWN 48

D. FREETOWN 65

Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4 (b/d)


1. (C) Summary: Ambassador met with President Koroma on
February 27 to discuss the new administration's policy goals
and pending bilateral issues, underlining the President's
importance in the region as a bulwark of stability. The
meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Zainab Bangura,
DCM, and Poloff. Ambassador relayed information regarding
President Obama's and Secretary Clinton's policy priorities,
and the expected impact these could have on our relationship
with Sierra Leone. She also addressed Koroma's long-standing
interest in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC),using
the topic as a segue to discussing the 2009 Human Rights
Report. She reminded him that upholding human rights,
including gender equality, is a critical element of MCC
eligibility. Ambassador reminded Koroma that the Status of
Forces Agreement (SOFA) is still waiting to be signed, and
that our request for the expulsion of indicted criminals to
the U.S. is pending. Koroma was gracious, stating his hope
for positive change under Obama's administration, and for
continued excellent relations between our two countries. He
was open to the human rights discussion, confirming that his
government will begin placing a keener focus on eliminating
female genital mutilation. He also welcomed the opportunity
to collaborate on MCC eligibility, requesting a plan of firm
actions he and his government can take to improve their
chances. Finally, Koroma green-lighted the expulsion of
narcotics traffickers under indictment in the United States,
following the conclusion of the ongoing cocaine trial, saying
that they will be effected immediately following the
judgment. End Summary.

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A NEW POLITICAL ERA: PRESIDENT OBAMA AND SECRETARY CLINTON
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2. (C) Ambassador informed Koroma of the new administration's
policy priorities, including: building stronger partnerships
with other nations; resolution of global threats; resolution
of the financial crisis; enhanced diplomacy; and furthering
development goals, and maintaining a strong defense for
ourselves and our allies. A potential surge of the USAID
presence in-country was discussed with Ambassador relaying
optimism that new staff will be hired to manage development
programs. Peace Corps has also been prioritized for a return
to Sierra Leone, pending budgetary decisions. The Ambassador
praised Sierra Leone as being one of our "staunchest
partners" on defense in the sub-region, recognizing the great
strides that the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces
(RSLAF) have made with regards to professionalization.


3. (C) Koroma responded that he welcomed the elections
outcome in the United States, and that many on the African
continent view Obama's leadership with hope and enthusiasm.
He noted that expectations for Obama's presidency are
extremely high, especially in terms of resolving global
issues related to establishing and maintaining peace and
ameliorating the financial crisis. He stated that what
happens in America impacts the rest of the world, and that he
looks to the United States to set the example in finding and
implementing solutions to significant problems. He welcomed
any future enhanced USAID support, and expressed his hope for
the speedy return of Peace Corps volunteers.

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MCC: SHOWING PROGRESS TO MEET INDICATORS
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4. (C) The Ambassador informed Koroma that the requested
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) technical team visit
had been postponed for the region. However, MCC management is
interested in conducting a digital video conference with
Sierra Leonean technical experts in March. Koroma continues
to look forward to a visit, but expressed satisfaction with a
video conference for the interim. He stated that his
government would value specific benchmarks to meet, with a
detailed action-plan outlining how to reach them. The
Ambassador responded that the MCC team would be able to
provide useful guidance to help move Sierra Leone towards
eligibility. She reiterated the necessity of implemented
anti-corruption, health/education and women's rights'
advancements as some of the criteria and observed that as the
new administration continues to firmly set its federal

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management structures, the ultimate construct of the MCC
would likely be known at a later date.


5. (C) Ambassador used the MCC discussion as an introduction
to the 2009 Human Rights Report, which Secretary Clinton had
presented to the public on February 25. She lauded Sierra
Leone's positive activities, such as the passage of a tough
revision to the anti-corruption legislation, continued
religious tolerance, and Koroma's public stance decrying
human rights violations in Zimbabwe, and the recognition of
Kosovo. Still, she said, Sierra Leoneans continue to
experience human rights abuses, especially against women.
Ambassador noted that domestic violence and rape are
universal problems in Sierra Leone, and that female genital
mutilation (FGM) continues, even against young children. She
further noted the recent case (reftel C) of journalists being
beaten and abused because of the anti-FGM stance.


6. (C) Koroma leafed through the Human Rights Report, and
expressed his "disappointment" that the journalists were
abused. He said that he hoped the individuals who perpetrated
the beatings upon the journalists will be seen as individuals
and extremists, and not representatives of the government or
country. He also stated that the government plans to expand
its FGM sensitization, which he hopes will help to address
the problem.

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SIGNING THE SOFA
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7. (C) Ambassador highlighted DoD-sponsored training,
including recent work to help the RSLAF destroy caches of
weapons from the war. She also informed him of the upcoming
ACOTA assessment, praising Sierra Leone for its interest in
undertaking peacekeeping operations across the continent. She
reminded him, however, that the SOFA agreement is still
pending, and that its signing would be a positive indicator
that Sierra Leone is a full partner with the United States in
terms of defense-related issues. Koroma responded that the
SOFA is with the Attorney-General for his review, and that he
expects to have final meetings on the issue soon. He also
informed Ambassador of significant "staffing limitations" in
the Office of the Attorney-General, which is delaying
movement on the SOFA issue (Note: The AG has been reviewing
the SOFA for months, and seems unmotivated to move it forward
despite Presidential pressure. The discussion of staffing
shortfalls was likely Koroma's way of excusing the AG's usual
inertia. End Note).

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REMOVING THE DRUG THUGS: KOROMA FINALLY AGREES
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8. (C) Ambassador reminded Koroma of the pending expulsion
request for two indicted criminals, and presented him with a
third expulsion request for a material witness (reftels A and
B). She praised the Sierra Leonean justice system for the
expeditiousness of the ongoing cocaine trial, informing
Koroma that the USG has no interest in interrupting their
process for the removal of the three individuals. Koroma
responded that the case will be concluded in the very near
future (Note: Post estimates it will be another four to six
weeks. End Note),and that the requests will be honored
immediately following the completion of the trial. He also
stated, per reftel D, that he believes the timing is right
for other wanted Sierra Leonean narcotraffickers to face
justice, stating that no one would be exempted from expulsion
or extradition. Koroma made clear that Ousmane Conte's arrest
in Guinea opens doors for other fugitives, such as Gibrilla
Kamara, to be arrested, and that he hopes this will happen
soon.

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OFFICIAL VISIT REQUEST REDUX
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9. (C) Koroma made a gentle push for an official visit to the
U.S., a request made by both him and the Foreign minister
last year. Ambassador explained how complicated scheduling
such visits can be. She further explained that countries'
records on human rights and judicial reform were important as
were their positions on international conventions in
evaluating the strategic importance of each year's visit
schedule. She also informed him that concrete action in key
areas, such as the SOFA signing, would be a strong signal to
the administration that Sierra Leone is a dynamic country in
terms of making and meeting development objectives; Koroma's

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continued, visible leadership in the sub-region would help
strengthen Sierra Leone's "re-branded" image. Holding Iran's
feet to the fire in terms of its actions in violation of UN
Security Council resolutions and IAEA requirements would be
an excellent example of Sierra Leone showing its independence
from external pressures as well as its commitment to
international protocols.

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COMMENT
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10. (C) Koroma, always amicable and welcoming of the COM and
other USG representatives, spoke eloquently and
enthusiastically about supporting our priorities and
initiatives. Despite the positive rhetoric, however, he did
not waiver from his tendency to make vague promises of
action, such as stating that he will hold final meetings
regarding the SOFA agreement, but failing to give a time
frame for his government's response. Given that this is his
norm, it makes his promise regarding the expulsions both
surprising and heartening. A successful resolution on this
issue will strengthen our bilateral relationship, demonstrate
willingness to work with the USG on issues of common interest
and concern, and provide a precedent for similar situations
in the future. His agreement to the expulsion is a
considerable victory on the bilateral front, and praise from
both post and Washington when it is carried out will
reinforce to Koroma that taking action has significant
positive benefits. Reminding Koroma that holding a position
of power requires doing, as well as saying, the right things,
and firm action will be critical to be viewed as a beacon of
responsible leadership. While the Sierra Leonean President
has made some cabinet changes, private sector sources advise
that he has essentially "reshuffled the deck" rather than
taken bold action to demonstrate concrete action against
corruption. If there is any weakness we see developing, it
is Koroma's hesitation to be swift and decisive. He has
articulated his goals well; carrying them out will be the
real test as he continues his second year in office. End
Comment.
PERRY