TRANSFER OF GUANTANAMO DETAINEES TO SOMALILAND AUTHORITIES

S E C R E T STATE 117303 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2019 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL PTER KDRG KE SO SUBJECT: TRANSFER OF GUANTANAMO DETAINEES TO SOMALILAND AUTHORITIES REF: A) 08 STATE 96084, B) 08 NAIROBI 2234, C) 08 DJIBOUTI 857 Classified by S/GC Deputy Anthony Ricci. Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d). (U) This is an action request. Please see paras 3 and 4. 1.(C) In recent weeks, Somali nationals Muhamed Sulayman Barre (ISN 567) and Abdallahi Sudi Arale (ISN 10027) were approved for transfer from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to Somaliland authorities. Based on discussions with their legal counsel, it appears that Barre and Arale are willing to be transferred to Somaliland authorities. 2.(S) The Somaliland authorities may be familiar with Barre and his case, but not with Arale. However, releasable information has been provided for transmittal to the Somali authorities in conjunction with the points provided in paragraph 4. 3.(C) The only transfer of a detainee from Guantanamo to Somaliland authorities occurred on November 1, 2008 (Muhamed Hussein Abdullah, ISN 704) with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross (reftel C). Prior to the transfer, Somaliland authorities exchanged diplomatic notes with the U.S. Government detailing assurances of humane treatment and security measures it would undertake to mitigate any threat posed by Edah (reftel A and B). We believe the assurances contained in that dip note remain sufficient to allow the transfer of Barre and Arale, should Somaliland authorities be willing to apply them to this transfer. 4.(S) ACTION REQUEST: Post should approach Somaliland authorities to inform it that Barre and Arale have been approved for transfer, and ascertain if the Somaliland authorities are willing to receive them. Barre is originally from Somaliland and is related to Abdullah, who was transferred in 2008. Arale, on the other hand, was born in Mogadishu. According to his lawyers, however, his family originates from Somaliland. 5.(S/REL) Post should draw from the points below in its approach to Somaliland authorities. (BEGIN POINTS) --The USG recently approved nationals Muhamed Sulayman Barre and Abdallahi Sudi Arale for transfer from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. -We anticipate transferring Barre and Arale to the exclusive custody and control of Somaliland authorities and we would like to confirm that your government is willing to receive them. --As you know, Muhamed Hussein Abdullah was transferred from Guantanamo Bay to Somaliland authorites in November 2008. His transfer was carried out after we exchanged diplomatic notes containing agreed assurances by Somaliland authorities regarding humane treatment upon transfer of the detainee, and security measures to be undertaken to mitigate any potential threat that the detainee may pose. --We would like you to review these assurances and to inform us of your willingness to apply them to the transfer of Barre and Arale. (END POINTS) CLINTON