SOMALIA - GALCAIO DEVELOPMENTS MAY STRENGTHEN

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 002243

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S CARSON

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/15/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM EAID PTER SO
SUBJECT: SOMALIA - GALCAIO DEVELOPMENTS MAY STRENGTHEN
PUNTLAND-SOUTHERN SOMALI TIES

Classified By: Political Officer Joe Trimble, reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)


1. (C) Summary: The warming relationship between
administrations in the town of Galcaio is likely to reinforce
ties between Puntland and south-central Somalia, despite the
secessionist leanings of some within Puntland President
"Faroole's" inner circle. (Note: Predominately Darod-clan led
north Galcaio is part of Puntland. South Galcaio,
predominately Hawiye/Habr Gedir/Sa'ad clan territory, is
loyal to south-central Somalia. End note.) Our contacts tell
us the administrations of north Galcaio and south Galcaio in
recent weeks have increased efforts to work together on
security due to clan elder mediation, recent political
developments, and business community interests. We think the
developments in Galcaio are positive and are encouraging
leaders on both sides of the city to continue security
cooperation and conflict resolution efforts. End Summary.


2. (C) Our contacts tell us clan elders, following an
increase in assassinations on both sides of Galcaio, in
recent months began a series of local reconciliation
meetings. (Note: Contacts tell us Darod-Habr Gedir marriages
in the area give many clan elders leverage on both sides of
Galcaio. End note.) The elders reportedly intervened when
they decided the cycle of assassinations had stepped outside
of traditional Somali laws (xeer) regarding retribution. A
Darod subclan, long in power in north Galcaio, reportedly
attempted to stir up Darod-Hawiye tensions and hide their own
role in plotting the July murder of the Puntland Information
Minister by involving Sa'ad assassins in their plan. Clan
elders were reportedly instrumental in encouraging the wider
community to see the political machinations behind the plot,
thereby preventing all out clan warfare. In addition, the
Darod subclan behind the plot reportedly lost support from
Darod clan elders.


3. (C) Contacts on both sides of Galcaio tell us the
revelation of the plot against the Minister of Information
led to the Puntland administration unseating many of the
entrenched politicians in the area and appointing a new mayor
who is deemed more willing to work with south Galcaio.
According to the new mayor, relations between the two
administrations are improving. Our contacts tell us the two
administrations recently agreed to conduct joint meetings
with humanitarian and UN agencies. Puntland President
"Faroole" and TFG Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke in August
traveled together to both sides of Galcaio. "Faroole"
reportedly encouraged the north Galcaio administration to
support south Galcaio with financial assistance for community
policing. Additionally, our contacts in the area tell us
they think business interests and pastoral movements will
work to maintain connectivity between north and south
Galciao.


4. (C) Comment: We think recent developments in Galcaio are
positive and likely to reinforce ties between Puntland and
south-central Somalia, despite the secessionist leanings of
some within President "Faroole's" inner circle. We are
encouraging leaders on both sides of the city to continue
security cooperation and conflict resolution efforts.
However, south Galcaio is confronting contentious internal
issues as two "presidents" contend for leadership. The TFG
Prime Minister and contacts in south Galcaio tell us,
however, they think the issue in south Galcaio will be
resolved. And, international partners, to include UNDP, the
Italians, and the NGO Interpeace are looking for
opportunities to support continued reconciliation efforts and
quick impact projects in the area. End Comment.
RANNEBERGER