AU SUMMIT: ASSISTANT SECRETARY CARSON'S MEETING

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ADDIS ABABA 000192

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/01/2020
TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON GV GB AU
SUBJECT: AU SUMMIT: ASSISTANT SECRETARY CARSON'S MEETING
WITH GABONESE PRESIDENT ALI BONGO - FEBRUARY 1, 2010

Classified By: Assistant Secretary Carson for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).


1. (SBU) February 1, 2010; 11:45 a.m.; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia



2. (SBU) Participants:

U.S.
Assistant Secretary Carson
NSC Senior Director for African Affairs Michelle Gavin
USAU Ambassador Michael Battle
USAU A/DCM Joel Maybury
AF Special Assistant Akunna Cook
PolOff Brian Bauman
PolOff Skye Justice (notetaker)

Gabon
President Ali Bongo
Foreign Minister Paul Toungui
Ambassador Baudelaire Nbong

Summary
--------------


3. (C) Gabonese President Ali Bongo told Assistant Secretary
Johnnie Carson he intends to uphold the strong relations his
father, former president Omar Bongo, maintained with the U.S.
Bongo plans to focus on developing Gabon's economy, and
seeks stronger economic ties with the U.S. Toward that end,
he requested bilateral meetings with the U.S. focusing on
trade and investment issues. Bongo said he was honored that
Secretary Clinton reached out to him for assistance resolving
the crisis in Guinea, but that it would take him time to warm
to the role of regional statesman. He expressed concern that
Dadis Camara, or perhaps another military leader, would
attempt to take power in Guinea. On Sudan, Bongo said he
feared South Sudan's independence might embolden other
regional leaders to attempt a break with Khartoum, leading to
a civil war on multiple fronts with destabilizing effects
across the region. End summary.

Bongo to Maintain Close Relations with U.S.
--------------


4. (C) Gabonese President Ali Bongo assured A/S Carson that
he intends to uphold the strong relations his father, former
president Omar Bongo, maintained with the U.S. Gabon will
continue to promote peace internally and across the
continent, he said, and looks forward to working with the
U.S. on the UN Security Council. A/S Carson congratulated
Bongo on his electoral victory, and more importantly on the
free and transparent process that led to his election. He
added that the USG had watched the electoral process very
closely, respected its outcome, and appreciated the
legitimacy Bongo gave to the process.

Gabon to Focus on Economy, Seeks Increased Trade
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5. (C) Quickly moving to his key message, Bongo said he was
determined to set Gabon on an improved economic trajectory.
Democracy cannot thrive in the midst of poverty and misery,
he said, and the Gabonese people must be lifted from hunger.
Bongo said his father had always regretted that Gabon's
investment and trade relations with the U.S. were not
stronger, and he is now committed to strengthening them.
"Africa doesn't see enough of the U.S." along the economic
front, he added. "We see others coming and investing, but
not the U.S." Over the years, U.S. administrations have
presented Gabon with a "fine menu" of what economic relations
could look like if political conditions improved, but they
have never delivered. "The Chinese menu is poorer," Bongo
said, "but the food is there, and we need to eat!"


6. (C) Bongo requested bilateral meetings in the U.S. to plot
a way forward, noting that Gabon fully understands U.S.
expectations for good governance and fighting corruption, and
will hold itself to an equally high standard as the countries
form a closer partnership. As Gabon seeks to improve
economic ties with the U.S., "we appreciate that we are being
heard" by the current administration, he added. Carson

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welcomed Bongo's initiative to build upon the strong
relationship with the U.S. established by his father, and
agreed that the Gabonese-U.S. partnership could be broadened,
deepened, and strengthened. He emphasized the need to work
together to create jobs, diversify Gabon's economy, and
strengthen the private sector, and agreed that there was
great potential to strengthen economic ties.

Bongo Hesitant to Take on Regional Role, as in Guinea
-------------- --------------


7. (C) A/S Carson praised Gabon's stability and its history
of solving and mitigating regional conflict, adding that he
hoped the new president would continue that tradition. He
noted that Secretary Clinton had that history in mind when
she requested Bongo's intervention with Guinean Captain Dadis
Camara. Bongo responded that he was honored that the
Secretary reached out to him on this difficult issue, but
said as a new president it would take him time to achieve the
regional standing that his late father held. "I couldn't
step in unless (Burkinabe) President Compaore stepped aside,"
he said. "I could not overstep my bounds and create
discomfort" amongst my African counterparts. Bongo assured
Carson that he would be willing to help on similar issues in
the future, so long as he was given time to consider the
request and coordinate with neighboring countries.


8. (C) In response to Bongo's request for the U.S. view of
the way forward in Guinea, A/S Carson praised the leadership
of President Compaore, and said Dadis had agreed to remain
outside Guinea for medical care. Guinean General Konate has
indicated he will remain in power through the transition, he
said, and no military officers will run for national office
at the end of the transition period. The U.S. and France
will support security sector reform and a democratic
electoral process, and will support economic development once
progress is made on those fronts. Bongo expressed concern
that indicting Dadis for his crimes might drive him back to
Guinea, and that many in the military were reluctant to
relinquish power. "Frankly, Konate is sick," he said, "and
we have to make sure the civilians don't blow it and open the
door for a military return to power." Carson replied that he
understood Bongo's concerns, that he was meeting with the
likely presidential candidates, and the U.S. Embassy in
Conakry was delivering a firm message to act responsibly to
all concerned parties.

Concerns over Southern Sudanese Independence
--------------


9. (C) On Sudan, Bongo expressed concern that if southern
Sudan votes for independence, other regions - including
Darfur and the far north - will be emboldened to follow suit.
Khartoum will not sit by and allow that, he said, and a
Sudanese civil war fought with breakaway regions on multiple
fronts will affect the entire region. Bongo further
suggested that even if neighboring states were to request
that the south postpone the 2011 referendum, it would refuse
so long as President Bashir is in power. Carson responded
that all parties are bound by the CPA, and we must honor the
rights it grants the south. He further noted it would be
political suicide for any southern Sudanese leader to propose
postponing the referendum.
YATES