Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE117303
2009-11-13 15:41:00
SECRET
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

TRANSFER OF GUANTANAMO DETAINEES TO SOMALILAND AUTHORITIES

Tags:  PGOV PHUM PREL PTER KDRG KE SO 
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VZCZCXYZ0015
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #7303 3171545
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
O 131541Z NOV 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHNR/AMEMBASSY NAIROBI IMMEDIATE 3785
INFO RUEHDJ/AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI IMMEDIATE 1304
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.
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