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