Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10ABUJA181
2010-02-18 09:19:00
SECRET
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:
NIGERIAN ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF: WE BELIEVE IN DEMOCRACY
how-toVZCZCXYZ0007 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHUJA #0181/01 0490919 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O R 180919Z FEB 10 FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0315 INFO RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0004 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0004 RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME 0006 RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA RUEKJCS/OSD WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
S E C R E T ABUJA 000181
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2020/02/18
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR PINS PINR NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIAN ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF: WE BELIEVE IN DEMOCRACY
REF: ABUJA 131 AND PREVIOUS
CLASSIFIED BY: James P. McAnulty, Political Counselor, STATE, POL;
REASON: 1.4(A),(B),(C),(D)
-------
SUMMARY
-------
S E C R E T ABUJA 000181
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2020/02/18
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR PINS PINR NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIAN ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF: WE BELIEVE IN DEMOCRACY
REF: ABUJA 131 AND PREVIOUS
CLASSIFIED BY: James P. McAnulty, Political Counselor, STATE, POL;
REASON: 1.4(A),(B),(C),(D)
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (C) Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff (COAS),LTG Dambazau, told A/S
Carson February 8 that the GON military believes there is no
alternative to democracy. "We are a young nation and will improve
if we give ourselves the opportunity." He termed the violence in
the North a "new phenomenon," and said politicians were the cause,
not religion. The Army Chief was surprised that the Government of
Nigeria (GON) did not react to Al Qaeda's statement of support,
cautioning that the GON may need to take the problem more seriously
as "no country can run away from" terrorism." General Idris, who
accompanied the COAS, called for increased collaboration between
U.S. civilian and Nigerian military security agencies. The Army
Chief plays a significant role in ensuring the military remains in
the barracks during this sensitive time in Nigeria. End Summary.
2. (C) On February 8, Assistant Secretary of State for African
Affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, accompanied by Ambassador and
POL Deputy (note taker),met with Nigerian Army Chief of Staff
Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau and Brigadier General
Muhammad Inuwa Idris to discuss the current political situation in
Nigeria.
3. (C) Nigeria's Army Chief, who requested the meeting with A/S
Carson, said that he wanted to give the USG insight into the role
the Nigerian military was playing in the current political
situation. Dambazau said he understood what is in the best
interest of Nigeria and the African region, explaining that "from
the outside, it appears a clear issue, but within Nigeria, nothing
is clear other than the geography." He highlighted, however, "a
lot of us do not entertain the fear of breaking up."
4. (C) The Army Chief expressed his appreciation for U.S.
assistance to strengthen GON peacekeeping training capability and
noted the GON wants to maintain its reputation of participating in
peace keeping operations (PKO) outside of Africa. Dambazau
explained how he had expanded a small PKO wing into the academy
that has already trained two battalions.
5. (C) With regard to the current situation in Nigeria (on February
9, Vice President Jonathan became Acting President),Dambazau
declared that "we (the military) believe there is no alternative to
democracy." He added that "when focus is diverted, what it takes
to be professional is neglected." He commented that "with
democracy, the country can focus attention on training and the
welfare of military personnel, and we are called to account for our
resources which allows us to develop and 'do what's right,' for
civil society and fundamental human rights."
6. (C) Dambazau explained that "we have a peculiar way of playing
the game, we politicians," noting that the bulk of Nigeria's
population is rural with low literacy that politicians "easily
manipulate." Dambazau continued, "This is why you find us in a
'religious' crisis." During electoral campaigns, politicians "make
promises, including providing roads and water, yet politicians use
religious and tribal affiliation that goes all the way down to
basic levels such as ethnic, tribes, clans, families, and
individuals." He offered that there is a lack of awareness and --
unlike in the U.S. -- voters do not question or understand
candidates and believe promises. "That is, in essence, why we
experience problems." He continued, "We are a young nation, only
50 years old. I believe we'll improve, only if we give ourselves
the opportunity. What is going on should be handled politically."
--------------
"RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE" IS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED
--------------
7. (C) Dambazau related that he grew up in Kano as one of two
Muslim children who attended a Catholic school at the insistence of
his father "who believed in education at the same time holding onto
his religion." He termed violence connected to religion in the
North as a "new phenomenon," noting that, "it is not ingrained into
very senior members of that part of the country." There is a
problem with unemployment and lack of education. He said that in
Jos, which experienced violence in mid January (reftels),one would
be surprised that the day after riots, people of different faiths
converge in the market as if nothing had happened.
8. (C) Dambazau stated, "The bottom line is that we firmly believe
in democracy; that's what will pull us through. We are a rich
country with untapped resources, both mineral and human. We need
to become more effective and more advanced, but we will be unable
to do so without the support of the U.S."
9. (C) The Army Chief replied affirmatively when asked whether this
message had been communicated to Vice President Jonathan. Dambazau
added, "Understandably, there has been a lot of noise because, in
the past, the military was expected to intervene. But we stand
firm, the military has a role to play and it is clearly spelled out
in the constitution." Dambazau remarked that he had impressed upon
subordinate officers the importance of understanding this notion,
and that he emphasized it each week. He continued, "We believe in
stability and have seen how crises have ravaged people in other
countries. We don't envision the UN sending peacekeepers here."
He said he assumed that the Vice President receives regular
briefings from Nigeria's security agencies, and daily from the
National Security Advisor (NSA). Dambazau provides daily input for
consideration to be included into the NSA's report.
--------------
FIGHTING TERRORISM IN NIGERIA
--------------
10. (C) Dambazau said he, like us, was surprised the GON did not
officially react to the recent statements by Bin Laden and by the
statement from Al Qaeda in Maghreb (AQIM) which underscored its
support for Nigerian Muslims. The COAS cautioned that some
Nigerian leaders may not take the problem seriously enough, and
should. He opined that these terrorist organizations were "taking
advantage and trying to expand their influence" in Nigeria.
Dambazau recounted his presence at a recent meeting where the GON
decided to enhance airport security, including training of air
marshals, and that no one would be exempt from inspection. The
Army Chief also noted he had the intention to convert the 72nd para
battalion into a "special forces and counter-terrorism unit,"
adding that "no country can run away from this problem." Dambazau
encouraged us to increase our communication with traditional
leaders, particularly throughout the North, "because if someone
comes to train their people, they will know."
-------------- ---
CALL FOR INCREASED COLLABORATION ACROSS AGENCIES
-------------- ---
11. (S) Brigadier Idris shared that during the previous Obasanjo
administration, there was cooperation between the USG and GON at
the military level. However, a decision was made by the GON to
have intelligence sharing conducted only through the State Security
Service (SSS) civilian agency. He said this has lead to
"difficulties," explaining "the military understands, and is better
trained to act on, intelligence, but legally the SSS is the GON
entity authorized to work with" U.S. security and law enforcement
agencies. Idris requested that the law enforcement relationship be
extended to military (police, intelligence) officers whom, he
claimed, "understand intelligence better than SSS, noting that many
SSS officials have political agendas." Idriss stated that internal
rivalries keep the GON's SSS and military intelligence services
from cooperating effectively and in a timely manner. He cited as
an example that in "joint monitoring operations with the SSS, the
military cannot come in." He said that under former National
Security Advisory General Aliyu, who previously served as chief of
military intelligence, the "gap was crossed, but now it has not
been maintained."
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
12. (C) Dambazau, a graduate of Kent State University in Ohio
(Master of Arts degree, 1980 to 1984),plays a significant role in
ensuring that the military remains in the barracks during political
turmoil. His support for following a constitutional succession --
a practice he has promoted both publicly and privately -- will be
key to maintaining political stability in Nigeria. END COMMENT.
13. (U) Assistant Secretary Carson departed Abuja before having
the opportunity to clear on this telegram.
SANDERS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2020/02/18
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR PINS PINR NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIAN ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF: WE BELIEVE IN DEMOCRACY
REF: ABUJA 131 AND PREVIOUS
CLASSIFIED BY: James P. McAnulty, Political Counselor, STATE, POL;
REASON: 1.4(A),(B),(C),(D)
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (C) Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff (COAS),LTG Dambazau, told A/S
Carson February 8 that the GON military believes there is no
alternative to democracy. "We are a young nation and will improve
if we give ourselves the opportunity." He termed the violence in
the North a "new phenomenon," and said politicians were the cause,
not religion. The Army Chief was surprised that the Government of
Nigeria (GON) did not react to Al Qaeda's statement of support,
cautioning that the GON may need to take the problem more seriously
as "no country can run away from" terrorism." General Idris, who
accompanied the COAS, called for increased collaboration between
U.S. civilian and Nigerian military security agencies. The Army
Chief plays a significant role in ensuring the military remains in
the barracks during this sensitive time in Nigeria. End Summary.
2. (C) On February 8, Assistant Secretary of State for African
Affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, accompanied by Ambassador and
POL Deputy (note taker),met with Nigerian Army Chief of Staff
Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau and Brigadier General
Muhammad Inuwa Idris to discuss the current political situation in
Nigeria.
3. (C) Nigeria's Army Chief, who requested the meeting with A/S
Carson, said that he wanted to give the USG insight into the role
the Nigerian military was playing in the current political
situation. Dambazau said he understood what is in the best
interest of Nigeria and the African region, explaining that "from
the outside, it appears a clear issue, but within Nigeria, nothing
is clear other than the geography." He highlighted, however, "a
lot of us do not entertain the fear of breaking up."
4. (C) The Army Chief expressed his appreciation for U.S.
assistance to strengthen GON peacekeeping training capability and
noted the GON wants to maintain its reputation of participating in
peace keeping operations (PKO) outside of Africa. Dambazau
explained how he had expanded a small PKO wing into the academy
that has already trained two battalions.
5. (C) With regard to the current situation in Nigeria (on February
9, Vice President Jonathan became Acting President),Dambazau
declared that "we (the military) believe there is no alternative to
democracy." He added that "when focus is diverted, what it takes
to be professional is neglected." He commented that "with
democracy, the country can focus attention on training and the
welfare of military personnel, and we are called to account for our
resources which allows us to develop and 'do what's right,' for
civil society and fundamental human rights."
6. (C) Dambazau explained that "we have a peculiar way of playing
the game, we politicians," noting that the bulk of Nigeria's
population is rural with low literacy that politicians "easily
manipulate." Dambazau continued, "This is why you find us in a
'religious' crisis." During electoral campaigns, politicians "make
promises, including providing roads and water, yet politicians use
religious and tribal affiliation that goes all the way down to
basic levels such as ethnic, tribes, clans, families, and
individuals." He offered that there is a lack of awareness and --
unlike in the U.S. -- voters do not question or understand
candidates and believe promises. "That is, in essence, why we
experience problems." He continued, "We are a young nation, only
50 years old. I believe we'll improve, only if we give ourselves
the opportunity. What is going on should be handled politically."
--------------
"RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE" IS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED
--------------
7. (C) Dambazau related that he grew up in Kano as one of two
Muslim children who attended a Catholic school at the insistence of
his father "who believed in education at the same time holding onto
his religion." He termed violence connected to religion in the
North as a "new phenomenon," noting that, "it is not ingrained into
very senior members of that part of the country." There is a
problem with unemployment and lack of education. He said that in
Jos, which experienced violence in mid January (reftels),one would
be surprised that the day after riots, people of different faiths
converge in the market as if nothing had happened.
8. (C) Dambazau stated, "The bottom line is that we firmly believe
in democracy; that's what will pull us through. We are a rich
country with untapped resources, both mineral and human. We need
to become more effective and more advanced, but we will be unable
to do so without the support of the U.S."
9. (C) The Army Chief replied affirmatively when asked whether this
message had been communicated to Vice President Jonathan. Dambazau
added, "Understandably, there has been a lot of noise because, in
the past, the military was expected to intervene. But we stand
firm, the military has a role to play and it is clearly spelled out
in the constitution." Dambazau remarked that he had impressed upon
subordinate officers the importance of understanding this notion,
and that he emphasized it each week. He continued, "We believe in
stability and have seen how crises have ravaged people in other
countries. We don't envision the UN sending peacekeepers here."
He said he assumed that the Vice President receives regular
briefings from Nigeria's security agencies, and daily from the
National Security Advisor (NSA). Dambazau provides daily input for
consideration to be included into the NSA's report.
--------------
FIGHTING TERRORISM IN NIGERIA
--------------
10. (C) Dambazau said he, like us, was surprised the GON did not
officially react to the recent statements by Bin Laden and by the
statement from Al Qaeda in Maghreb (AQIM) which underscored its
support for Nigerian Muslims. The COAS cautioned that some
Nigerian leaders may not take the problem seriously enough, and
should. He opined that these terrorist organizations were "taking
advantage and trying to expand their influence" in Nigeria.
Dambazau recounted his presence at a recent meeting where the GON
decided to enhance airport security, including training of air
marshals, and that no one would be exempt from inspection. The
Army Chief also noted he had the intention to convert the 72nd para
battalion into a "special forces and counter-terrorism unit,"
adding that "no country can run away from this problem." Dambazau
encouraged us to increase our communication with traditional
leaders, particularly throughout the North, "because if someone
comes to train their people, they will know."
-------------- ---
CALL FOR INCREASED COLLABORATION ACROSS AGENCIES
-------------- ---
11. (S) Brigadier Idris shared that during the previous Obasanjo
administration, there was cooperation between the USG and GON at
the military level. However, a decision was made by the GON to
have intelligence sharing conducted only through the State Security
Service (SSS) civilian agency. He said this has lead to
"difficulties," explaining "the military understands, and is better
trained to act on, intelligence, but legally the SSS is the GON
entity authorized to work with" U.S. security and law enforcement
agencies. Idris requested that the law enforcement relationship be
extended to military (police, intelligence) officers whom, he
claimed, "understand intelligence better than SSS, noting that many
SSS officials have political agendas." Idriss stated that internal
rivalries keep the GON's SSS and military intelligence services
from cooperating effectively and in a timely manner. He cited as
an example that in "joint monitoring operations with the SSS, the
military cannot come in." He said that under former National
Security Advisory General Aliyu, who previously served as chief of
military intelligence, the "gap was crossed, but now it has not
been maintained."
--------------
COMMENT
--------------
12. (C) Dambazau, a graduate of Kent State University in Ohio
(Master of Arts degree, 1980 to 1984),plays a significant role in
ensuring that the military remains in the barracks during political
turmoil. His support for following a constitutional succession --
a practice he has promoted both publicly and privately -- will be
key to maintaining political stability in Nigeria. END COMMENT.
13. (U) Assistant Secretary Carson departed Abuja before having
the opportunity to clear on this telegram.
SANDERS