SOMALIA - PRESIDENT SHARIF URGES ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 NAIROBI 001201

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S CARSON
IO/PSC FOR JEAN CLARK AND ERIC CROWE
TREASURY FOR OFAC

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/15/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER KTFN SO
SUBJECT: SOMALIA - PRESIDENT SHARIF URGES ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Classified By: Ambassador Michael Ranneberger for reasons 1.4(b) and (d
)

Summary and Action Request
--------------


1. (C) On June 14, at the request of Somalia Transitional
Federal Government (TFG) President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh
Ahmed, President Sharif and the Ambassador spoke by telephone
about recent events in Somalia. President Sharif thanked the
Ambassador for USG efforts and contributions that were
instrumental to the TFG's success in severely damaging the
enemy. He said security forces are planning to launch a
significant operation in the near future, though they had not
yet received all the equipment they were expecting from
Uganda. Sharif initiated the call to make two main points.
First, to ask that the US and the international community
honor their pledges of support for the TFG. Second, that the
US consider de-listing the money remittance company
al-Barakaat so that frozen assets can be utilized to support
the government. Sharif also argued that the removal of one
entity would substantially support the TFG's outreach
efforts, and would further isolate entities like al-Shabaab,
which would remain listed.


2. (C) Action Requested: We recommend that al-Barakaat be
removed from domestic sanctions under E.O. 13224.

Increased Support Will Help Us
Conclude the War
--------------


3. (C) At the request of TFG President Sheikh Sharif, the
Ambassador spoke with the President by telephone the evening
of June 14. President Sharif began the conversation by
stating, "All is well," and that contrary to concerns that
the interim unity government would be swept away, it remains
intact. The TFG President said success in recent security
operations is directly attributable to U.S. efforts and
financial support. While the "enemy still has life," Sharif
reported that recent fighting has severely damaged the TFG's
opponents and the TFG is preparing a significant operation to
take advantage of recent victories. Sharif said the TFG is
planning to launch the attack, even without all the equipment
and ammunition it had hoped to receive from Uganda.


4. (C) Sharif said the first main objective of his call was
to discuss the U.S. pledge of support for the TFG. The TFG
President was thankful for the U.S. assistance provided to
date, and urged the continued fulfillment of our pledge of
USD 10 million for the Somalia National Security Force. He
said that if the international community immediately honors
its pledges, "we can quickly conclude the war." (Note: We
understood that President Sharif was referring to the pledges
for the TFG security forces made at the April 22-23 Brussels
donors conference). President Sharif explained that the
government urgently needs these resources to obtain the
necessary weaponry to outgun its violent opposition. If the
funds are not provided, it will be hard to manage the
situation, he said.


5. (C) The Ambassador responded that the USG is fully in
support of TFG and that we will continue to provide
significant financial and materiel assistance to the
transitional government. However, Ambassador Ranneberger
emphasized that there are several steps the TFG must now
undertake to ensure accountability. He reminded President
Sharif that we are still waiting for the list of commanders
and security forces to enable us to help pay the salaries
over the next few months. The Ambassador emphasized that we
understand the urgency of all partners respecting their
pledges and will do everything we can to continue to
encourage the quick release of funds from the international
community.

Reconciliation Through
De-listing al-Barakaat
--------------


6. (C) President Sharif then proceeded to the second point

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of his call - a request to consider de-listing the
al-Barakaat money transfer company. (Note: This was the
first time President Sharif has mentioned the issue of
al-Barakaat to us directly). Sharif told the Ambassador that
to date, the TFG has achieved considerable successes in
outreach, meeting with influential elders, clan leaders, and
significant figures in all regions of the country. He stated
that "blacklisting" and the asset freeze on al-Barakaat
affects thousands of Somalis who could be encouraged to
better support the government. (Note: Al-Barakaat, its owner
Ahmed Nur Ali Jumale, and related entities were designated on
November 7, 2001 as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists"
under E.O. 13224).


7. (C) Sharif argued that de-listing al-Barakaat and
releasing the assets would create much goodwill toward the
U.S. and allow the funds to be used to support ongoing
reconciliation efforts. The TFG President reasoned that the
general population would be able to see positive results of
supporting peace and turning away from violence and terrorist
activities. He said that by de-listing one entity, it would
further marginalize other organizations like al-Shabaab,
which would remain listed.


8. (C) The Ambassador cautioned that the de-listing process
is complex. However, he promised to explor the issue with
Washington.


9. (C) President Sharif asked the Ambassador to convey his
greeting to Secretary Clinton. President Sharif said he
wanted to thank the Secretary for her recent contact and for
all of the support provided by the USG. President Sharif
concluded, "We will not lose this opportunity - we are
adamant that we will succeed in our efforts."
RANNEBERGER