Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NAIROBI1173
2009-06-11 14:39:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:  

SOMALIA - UAE Government Will Support the TFG

Tags:  PGOV PREL PTER AE SO 
pdf how-to read a cable
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INFO RUCNSOM/SOMALIA COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NAIROBI 001173 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S CARSON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER AE SO
SUBJECT: SOMALIA - UAE Government Will Support the TFG

NAIROBI 00001173 001.2 OF 002


UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NAIROBI 001173

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S CARSON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER AE SO
SUBJECT: SOMALIA - UAE Government Will Support the TFG

NAIROBI 00001173 001.2 OF 002



1. (SBU) SUMMARY. On June 4, visiting Acting Deputy Assistant
Secretary of State for African Affairs (DAS) Karl Wycoff met with
Ambassador Mohamed Sultan Saif Al Sowaidi, Director of the
Department of Arabic Affairs at the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Accompanied by Abu Dhabi Deputy Chief
of Mission (DCM) Douglas Greene, DAS Wycoff detailed U.S. policy
toward Somalia and the financial and materiel support provided to
Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG). DAS Wycoff
highlighted U.S. security concerns, including the continued
operation of the East Africa al-Qaeda cell and its links with
al-Shabaab. Ambassador Al Sowaidi stated that UAE policy toward
Somalia is in complete harmony with the U.S. and that his government
fully supports TFG President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. He agreed
with our analysis of the current fragile situation in Somalia,
expressing the view that while Foreign Terrorist Organization
al-Shabaab is present, it is neither strong nor deeply rooted.
Ambassador Al Sowaidi said the UAE is ready to provide assistance to
the TFG and work with the U.S. on actions against individuals and
organizations undermining Somalia's transitional government. End
Summary.

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U.S. and UAE Share Similar
Perspectives on Somalia
--------------


2. (SBU) As part of an ongoing effort to engage Gulf states on
Somalia, Embassy Abu Dhabi facilitated a meeting with the UAE
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and visiting Acting DAS Karl Wycoff. On
June 4, accompanied by Abu Dhabi DCM Douglas Greene, DAS Wycoff met
with Ambassador Al Sowaidi. DAS Wycoff detailed U.S. policy toward
Somalia and our top priorities to address the humanitarian crisis
and improve the security situation. He highlighted U.S. financial
and materiel support provided to the TFG and our goal for broader
engagement with all regions, including the Somali diaspora, to
increase support for the TFG. DAS Wycoff highlighted U.S. security
concerns, including the continued operation of the East Africa
al-Qaeda cell and its links with al-Shabaab, and stated that
solutions to piracy are rooted in encouraging development and
stability in Somalia.



3. (SBU) Ambassador Al Sowaidi responded that UAE's policy toward
Somalia is in complete harmony with the U.S. and that his government
fully supports TFG President Sharif. He agreed with our analysis of
the current fragile situation in Somalia and said he understood our
concerns with al-Shabaab and Hisbul Islam. Al Sowaidi stated that
leaders of al-Shabaab refused offers to be part of the
reconciliation process and that while al-Shabaab is present in all
regions, it is neither strong nor deeply rooted. He said that while
these groups talk about Islam, "Islam is not part of their fight."
Al Sowaidi said that foreigners make up at least one third of
al-Shabaab's fighting force, coming from countries like Pakistan,
Afghanistan and Yemen. The Ambassador concluded that it is very
important to assist the TFG with equipment and financial support and
reiterated that he agreed with all of the points DAS Wycoff made.

--------------
Supporters and Spoilers
--------------


4. (SBU) Ambassador Al Sowaidi said that both the League of Arab
States and the Organization of the Islamic Conference support the
TFG, and the UAE is ready to provide assistance to the transitional
government. He said that most Arab countries support President
Sharif. Al Sowaidi noted the recent visit of TFG Foreign Minister
Mohamed Abdullahi Omaar (ForMin),and lauded the ForMin as "a man
who understands how to manage a serious business" and an excellent
interlocutor for the TFG. Al Sowaidi said that Omaar had a meeting
with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gargash, but that he
was not aware of the specific projects and initiatives that were
agreed upon.


5. (SBU) Al Sowaidi also acknowledged that the TFG and President
Sharif have many detractors who are actively trying to undermine the
TFG's efforts. He agreed that Eritrea played an unhelpful role, as
a result of its relationship with Ethiopia, but was unwilling to go
into greater detail. Al Sowaidi asked DAS Wycoff about the role of
Iran which "seems to be interfering everywhere." Al Sowaidi said he
completely agrees with DAS Wycoff's view of the most imminent danger

NAIROBI 00001173 002.2 OF 002


being al-Shabaab's relationship with al-Qaeda. Ambassador Al
Sowaidi emphasized that he will urge the UAE ForMin to immediately
act to address this threat. He also agreed that the Government of
the UAE is prepared to act on specific information about individuals
and organizations based in UAE to prevent them from undermining
President Sharif and the TFG. DCM Greene stated that there is
excellent collaboration between the U.S. and UAE governments in
sharing information and that we could continue to use these channels
to collaborate in these areas.


6. (SBU) DAS Wycoff concluded by thanking Ambassador Al Sowaidi for
the unfettered access we enjoyed when engaging with representatives
of the Somali diaspora resident in UAE, and stating that we look
forward to continued cooperation.


7. (SBU) Embassy Abu Dhabi has cleared on this cable. DAS Wycoff
has approved the release of this cable.

RANNEBERGER