HELMAND UPDATE: FOOD ZONE ALLEGATIONS ARE BUILDING

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 003444

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SRAP, SCA/FO, SCA/A, EUR/RPM
STATE PASS USAID FOR ASIA/SCAA
USFOR-A FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM MOPS UK AF
SUBJECT: HELMAND UPDATE: FOOD ZONE ALLEGATIONS ARE BUILDING
AGAINST GOVERNOR MANGAL

REF: A. (A) KABUL 973

B. (B) KABUL 910

C. (C) KABUL 2940

D. (D) KABUL 3286

Classified By: Interagency Provincial Affairs Coordinator Scott Kilner
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Begin Summary. Governor Mangal is working steadily to
expand an effective GIRoA presence to the district level and
continues to prove himself a pragmatic and energetic governor
in Helmand. However, the continued drumbeat relating to
abuses involving his signature Food Zone program have not
quelled local discontent with the program and his leadership
of the effort. Investigations of the program are on-going
and Governor Mangal has laid the blame directly on the Deputy
Governor for any corrupt practices. Mangal has made no
secret of his desire to leave Helmand soon after the
elections to secure a position in Kabul. Associated
reporting supports the notion that Mangal has gained favor
with President Karzai for his efforts in the east and is well
positioned for a post-election appointment. End Summary.

Governor Mangal Focused on Expanding GIRoA's Presence
--------------


2. (SBU) Governor Mangal has been active across Helmand
Province during the past two weeks, conducting
counternarcotics shuras in Kanashin, Sangin, Garmsir and Nad
Ali districts; hosting the District Development Working Group
(DDWG)'s visit to Lashkar Gah and Nawa; and meeting with
Senator Kerry at a shura in Garmsir. While the visiting DDWG
delegation from Kabul was well received, several of the local
elders pushed back hard on Mangal and were very critical of
his administration, especially implementation of the Food
Zone program. Many said they had not been involved in the
creation of the wheat seed beneficiary lists and they
questioned the quality of the seed and fertilizer that was
going to be distributed. This lack of local consultation has
fueled rumors that the Governor's staff bought inferior seed
and fertilizer for the program and the distribution process
would benefit locals with ties to the governor's office.


3. (C) Despite his seemingly limitless energy, Governor
Mangal appears to be planning his exit from Helmand and has
told the U.S. PRT officer on several occasions that he wants
to leave Helmand as soon as the election results are
announced. Last week the PRT learned from sources in the
Karzai administration that Mangal is in line for a job at the
Ministry of Mines. Governor Mangal told the PRT that he is
currently in better standing with Kabul then just a few weeks
ago. This report matches UK reporting that Karzai was
pleased with the support he received from Mangal in the east
and a good job would be waiting for him in Kabul. All signs
indicate that Mangal has cut a deal with Karzai for a soft
landing in Kabul and is ready to leave Helmand.

Food Zone
--------------


4. (C) As a result of PRT inquiries and discussions with
local officials and residents, the PRT believes that several
key members of the Mangal team took UK funds for the Food
Zone program, bought substitute low quality wheat seed and
fertilizer, and pocketed the difference. (NOTE: These
specific allegations relate to the wheat seed distribution
program funded by the UK. END NOTE) Additionally, there are
significant concerns that the distribution lists for the
farmers who are supposed to receive the seed and fertilizer
have been rigged to favor those with connections to members
of Mangal's staff. Governor Mangal has initiated an
investigation of these allegations through the National
Directorate of Security (NDS) and staged several arrests of
agricultural staff. However, he seems increasing nervous
about the growing problems with this program and has now
adopted the generic line that he and his staff had nothing to
do with the organization of the program. The PRT leadership
continues to engage Mangal about these charges and Mangal
himself said that he suspected several of his staffs' actions
may have been "inappropriate."

Deputy Governor Satar
--------------


5. (C) Deputy Governor Satar remains in Helmand but he too is
seeking a move to Kabul as soon as possible. He continues to
be viewed with deep suspicion by the local Helmand leadership

KABUL 00003444 002 OF 002


relating to his role in the wheat seed distribution programs,
which are part of the larger Food Zone program. Satar is
alleged to have worked with other members of Mangal's team to
supply low quality wheat seed and fertilizer for the program
and pocketed the difference in cost for the higher quality
wheat. Staff from the Helmand Line Departments from Ministry
of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) and the
Ministry of Counternarcotics (MCN) told PRT officers that
Satar and members from the Governor's staff took money to
seal the transportation contract for the wheat and fertilizer
distribution. Many Helmandis believe Mangal is prepared to
sacrifice Satar, and other staff, to save his reputation as a
non-corrupt Governor should investigations gain steam.

Comment
--------------


6. (C) Governor Mangal is surely nervous about the possible
blot on his reputation as a non-corrupt and effective
governor. His close relationship to the various PRT member
nations and its coalition forces has manifested itself in
successful shuras and the rapid demonstration of GIRoA
presence following military clearing operations. At the same
time, the growing perception in the Province that his
signature Food Zone program and wheat distribution programs
have been used for personal gain by those around him are
taking their toll. While there is no evidence at this time
of his direct involvement in the corruption, it would be
surprising if this type of corruption occurred without
Mangal's knowledge, or perhaps even his complicity. Mangal's
efforts to leave Helmand on a high note immediately following
the election is likely a combination of his readiness to take
on a new position after successful partnership with coalition
partners and steady progress in the province, but also well
timed to depart Helmand before others try to use the Food
Zone program discrepancies to undermine his leadership in the
Province.


7. (SBU) This cable is based on reporting by the PRT in
Helmand.
EIKENBERRY