SOMALIA - American Corner Update

UNCLAS NAIROBI 002031 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR AF/E AND AF/PD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO SO SUBJECT: SOMALIA - American Corner Update ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The Somalia Unit has recently made tremendous progress in implementing the long-awaited American Corner in Mogadishu, Somalia. We recently arranged the delivery of a shipment of material that had been sitting in Nairobi for several years. We also organized the travel of our newly-appointed American Corner Coordinator for training in Addis Ababa, with a stop in Nairobi for consultations. He will gradually increase the visibility of the American Corner as a vehicle for outreach and engagement with the Somali populace. End summary. -------------- Setup -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The Somalia Unit recently arranged the delivery of a shipment of material, designated as the initial startup gear for an American Corner in Mogadishu, which had been sitting in Nairobi for several years. A recent International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnus provided support in Mogadishu, including meeting the aircraft and arranging for its delivery to the university. ¶3. (SBU) Owing to the volatile situation in Mogadishu, the university's classes are not being held at the main campus, but have been dispersed around the city. However, with the September opening of the academic year, the university plans to establish the university library in a central location in Mogadishu. The American Corner will be established at that location, with the understanding that it can be moved as conditions allow classes to resume at the main campus. -------------- Coordinator Training, Implementation Plans -------------- ¶4. (SBU) With the generous assistance of Embassy Addis Ababa, our newly-appointed American Corner Coordinator, Adam Ahmed Hussein, was able to attend a training session in Addis in mid-August. Hussein learned the general workings of an American Corner, got ideas for programs, and traded ideas with his Ethiopian counterparts. The training coordinators informed us that Hussein was a significant contributor during the sessions. Post thanks Embassy Addis Ababa for allowing Hussein to participate in this training. ¶5. (SBU) Hussein requested that Post allow a slightly unorthodox ramp-up of the American Corner, but one that we agree is necessary in light of the volatile security situation in Mogadishu. Hussein will set out the materials without significant fanfare at first, but will monitor their usage and begin advising users that the materials are from the American government and people. As the usage and popularity increase, he will begin branding as appropriate, and eventually label the area as an American Corner. We noted to Hussein that we respect his awareness of the security situation, but we need to lean as far forward as possible, given that this is in fact an outreach mechanism. -------------- Way Forward -------------- ¶6. (SBU) The Somalia Unit will dedicate some FY09 program funds to augmenting the material that was shipped to Mogadishu. Among the items we will acquire immediately are computers with webcam capability for possible video conferences, and select books and educational materials. We are extremely optimistic about the success of this American Corner. RANNEBERGER