SOMALIA - REQUEST TDY SUPPORT FOR SOMALIA COVERAGE

UNCLAS NAIROBI 001572

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E - PAMELA FIERST

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT APER PREL DJ SO
SUBJECT: SOMALIA - REQUEST TDY SUPPORT FOR SOMALIA COVERAGE
IN DJIBOUTI

REF: SWAN-PATTERSON-WYCOFF EMAILS


1. Summary and Action Request: Post requests
temporary assignment of one TDYer for 3-6 months to support
coverage of Somalia developments from Djibouti. There is a
growing demand and opportunity for engagement on Somalia
issues, in which Djibouti is playing an increasingly active
role - diplomatic, informational, military, and economic.
To capitalize on these opportunities, the Somalia Unit
requests a multi-functional TDY officer to enhance Embassy
Djibouti's coverage during this critical period in USG
efforts to support the Transitional Federal Government.
With only one reporting officer assigned to Embassy
Djibouti, they are simply unable to do justice to this
important account without additional staff resources. End
summary.

The Need
--------------


2. Djibouti is increasingly involved in regional
efforts to bring peace and stability to Somalia. Djibouti,s
population is 60 percent ethnic Somali, as is its senior
leadership, including President Ismail Omar Guelleh.
Djibouti is playing an increasingly active role on Somalia
issues including as host and key actor at the 2008-2009
Djibouti Process peace talks that led to the election of
Transitional Federal Government (TFG) President Sheikh
Sharif. President Guelleh and Foreign Minister Mahmoud
Youssouf are leaders in regional fora in pressing for
solutions in Somalia. In addition to diplomatic support,
Djibouti is providing training and other support to TFG
forces. Djibouti is a hub for Somali journalists and
websites covering Somalia, including the newly inaugurated
Somali Independent News Agency (SOMINSA). It is the
headquarters of the Somalia Business and Investment Council
(SBIC) and home to numerous Somali businessmen. It is a
frequent site for travel to/from Somalia, Somaliland, and
Puntland by senior officials from these entities, including
President Sharif, who is a regular visitor.


3. Embassy Djibouti has sought to cover Somalia
developments and to supplement the work of the Embassy
Nairobi Somalia Unit. With only one full-time reporting
officer who is fully occupied with domestic reporting,
preparation of legislatively mandated reports, and
management of a multitude of project activities totaling
some $10 million; she is unable to do justice to the rich
opportunities that exist in Djibouti.

The Proposal
--------------


4. In order to provide appropriate coverage to the
important Somalia account, especially during this critical
period in USG efforts to bolster the TFG and to prepare
contingencies should that effort prove unsuccessful, we
request a TDY officer for 3 to 6 months who could perform
the following functions:

--Reporting: Maintain contact with influential Somalis
based in or transiting Djibouti. These would include
members of the Somali Business and Investment Council and
visitors from Somalia, Somaliland, and Puntland transiting
Djibouti. Presidents Sharif (TFG),Riyale (Somaliland),
and Farole (Puntland) are all frequent visitors.

--Representation: Represent USG at Somalia-related
conferences, meetings, etc. held in Djibouti. Recent
conferences have focused on efforts to generate youth
employment in Somalia and to improve the investment climate
in Somaliland. We expect more such conferences, with their
rich contact opportunities, in the future.

--Consular: Deepen contacts with Somaliland officials who
would be useful in responding to requests for emergency
American citizen services. Build on work already begun by
Djibouti CONOFF in her outreach to immigration, police,
hospitals, etc.

--Public Diplomacy: Use the extensive network of Somali
journalists based in Djibouti, as well as the GODJ,s
Somali-language broadcasts (which are also heard in parts
of Somalia)to communicate USG messaging on Somalia, and
help TFG with its strategic communications (STRATCOM).

--CJTF-HOA: Coordinate with Combined Joint Task Force -
Horn of Africa on Somalia issues, especially STRATCOM
related to Somalia.

Action Request
--------------


5. Post requests Department identify and fund one
TDY officer to be assigned for 3 to 6 months to perform the
functions listed above. Depending on the results, we may
seek to extend this arrangement. The individual could be
an existing direct-hire employee available for TDY, someone
seeking a bridge assignment, or a WAE. Horn of Africa
experience and competency in the functions lists in para
four would obviously be desirable. The individual will be
assigned to the Embassy Nairobi Somalia Unit and then
deployed to Djibouti. Embassy Djibouti has agreed to
provide workspace and local transportation and may/may be
able to provide TDY housing depending on the precise timing
of the TDY.


6. Ambassador Swan concurs with this message.

ABELL

ABELL