AU SUMMIT: KIKWETE WILLING TO DO MORE ON SOMALIA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ADDIS ABABA 000191 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR AF/FO, AF/E, AND IO/UNP LONDON FOR PLORD PARIS FOR WBAIN USEU FOR AFRICA WATCHER SECDEF FOR DASD VICKI HUDDLESTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM XA SUBJECT: AU SUMMIT: KIKWETE WILLING TO DO MORE ON SOMALIA THIS MESSAGE IS FROM USAU AMBASSADOR MICHAEL BATTLE ¶1. (U) February 2, 2010, 5:00 p.m.; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ¶2. (U) Participants: United States Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson USAU Ambassador Michael Battle NSC Senior Director Michelle Gavin Special Assistant Akunna Cook AU Desk Officer Ryan Bowles (notetaker) Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete ¶3. (SBU) Summary: Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete told A/S Carson that Tanzania reiterated its offer to train Somali troops under certain circumstances, said he was optimistic about the success of reforms under way in Zanzibar, and speculated that Tanzania might need additional assistance to rebuild in the aftermath of recent floods. Kikwete also expressed his happiness with the election of Malawi to the African Union (AU) chairmanship. End Summary. -------------- Somalia -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Meeting on the margins of the AU summit, Tanzanian President Kikwete reiterated Tanzania's willingness to train Somali soldiers at a National Service Camp outside of Arusha. He said that this was not a new offer, and that he was surprised no one had ever taken advantage of it, but that nonetheless, it still stood. Kikwete said that Tanzania wanted to make a long-term contribution to Somalia's stability, and was willing to train Somali police, and members of Somalia's intelligence service. ¶5. (SBU) Kikwete recounted Tanzania's long history as a supplier of troops to UN missions in Darfur and Lebanon, but said that his new year's message which indicated a readiness to do more in Somalia was not referring to troop contributions. In response to A/S Carson's question, Kikwete indicated that raising AMISOM salaries from $750 to the UN standard $1,100 would not make a difference in Tanzania's decision on sending troops. Kikwete portrayed the decision to supply troops to AMISOM as a political one, because of the many casualties that could be expected from suicide bombings and combat. -------------- Flooding -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Kikwete appreciated the U.S. contribution following recent flooding in Tanzania. He said that the central railroad was badly damaged at more than 20 points on the line, and that repairs would cost around $20 million. Although he had hoped to pay for repairs by reallocating budget money, he now thinks that external donor assistance will be needed. Kikwete did not have a specific request now, but thought one might come in the future. ¶7. (U) Kikwete disclosed plans to provide replacement livestock to Masai people who lost more than 150,000 animals in the floods. For the Masai, who measure net worth in the number of livestock they possess, the flood wiped out much of their wealth. He hopes to provide around 100,000 new animals to the Masai. -------------- Zanzibar -------------- ¶8. (U) Kikwete described the political horse trading which took place in the constitutional reform on Zanzibar. He was clearly proud of the outcome, which will be subject to referendum soon. Although the opposition contends that referendum is not necessary -- they could just sign it -- Kikwete believes that referendum would be good for political buy-in on the part of the Tanzanian people. Kikwete said he may need assistance from the USG on referendum costs, and A/S Carson said we would be willing to assist if we received a request. ADDIS ABAB 00000191 002 OF 002 ¶9. (U) Kikwete said the winner of elections will be President of the Zanzibar Parliament, with two assistants - one from the winning party and one from the opposition. Ministries will be doled out by the winning coalition, but governorships (non-members of parliament) will be awarded in proportion to the popular vote. -------------- Malawi as AU Chairperson -------------- ¶10. (SBU) A/S Carson noted that we were pleased at the election of Malawi to the AU chairmanship. Kikwete exhaled deeply and looked visibly relieved. He said that Qadhafi was difficult to work with, and although he believed in the things he said, it was clear that Qadhafi often simply did not grasp whichever issue was in play. He said that Qadhafi is an elderly man who in private calls leaders like Kikwete "my son." Kikwete, who preceded Qadhafi as AU chairperson, was excited for a fresh start under Malawi. ¶11. (U) A/S Carson has cleared this cable. YATES