WikiLeaks: US open to Somaliland Recognition

[SLJOOFAY]

DEPARTMENT FOR AF AND AF/E , AND INR/AA
LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHER
CJTF-HOA AND USCENTCOM FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/01/2018
TAGS: PREL PBTS PNAT MOPS KPKO ET ER SO SU KE
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA: ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRAZER AND PRIME
MINISTER MELES DISCUSS KENYA, SUDAN, SOMALIA, AND ERITREA

Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto for Reasons: 1.4 (B)

US IMPROVING RELATIONS WITH SOMALILAND ————————————–

¶17. (C/NF) Turning to Somaliland, A/S Frazer noted the
recent visit of Somaliland President Dahir Rayale Kahin to
Washington. While some may interpret this visit as a sign
that the U.S. was on the verge of formal recognition, A/S
Frazer clarified that the United States was not getting ready
to recognize Somaliland, but believed that it was important
to engage with them to ensure regional stability. At the
same time, A/S Frazer said that the United States would not
be opposed to Somaliland independence if it should happen
within an AU context. A/S Frazer said that she had raised
the issue with AU Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare, who seemed
to be placing unrealistic conditions for addressing the
Somaliland issue. The first was that Somaliland negotiate
with the government in Mogadishu, either the TFG or its
successor, regarding its independence, and the second was
that there be a regional consensus on Somaliland’s status,
neither of which are likely to happen or result in any clear
decisions.
¶18. (C/NF) Meles said that Ethiopia’s position on Somaliland
was the same as that of the United States, but that the
political situation within the AU was not yet ripe for
addressing the Somaliland issue. Meles said that he met with

ADDIS ABAB 00000286 005 OF 005

Rayale upon his return from Washington and urged him to write
to the AU requesting that they identify a timeframe for a
discussion on the Somaliland issue. However, Rayale “messed
things up” by essentially re-sending his previous letter
requesting recognition and membership in the AU, rather than
asking for a timeframe for a discussion on Somaliland. Meles
said that, if Somaliland had taken the route that he
suggested, it would have been likely that the issue could
have been addressed soon. However, if the elections for a
new AU Chairperson take place during the AU Summit, Meles
said that the next chairperson is unlikely to be as positive
towards Somaliland as Konare, which will only further delay
any discussion of Somaliland.

¶19. (C/NF) Meles also noted the complications of the current
political situation inside Somaliland with the delays in
preparations for the municipal and presidential elections.
While avoiding any specifics, Meles said that the clan
dynamics in Somaliland were out of balance, but that it was
important to convey to Rayale that he could not rely on
“outside forces” to tilt the balance in his favor. Even if
Ethiopia tried to intervene on Rayale,s behalf, Meles said,
the effort would fail.

Here is the link for the full Wikileaks cable on Somaliland and Somalia click here

Just a matter of time, My money is on END OF THE YEAR

[king of kismayo]

bro don`t you understand diplomatic language, first the secretary said

A/S Frazer said that the United States would not
be opposed to Somaliland independence if it should happen
within an AU context

then she followed up with what the AU chair person told her about somaliland

The first was that Somaliland negotiate
with the government in Mogadishu, either the TFG or its
successor, regarding its independence, and the second was
that there be a regional consensus on Somaliland’s status,
neither of which are likely to happen or result in any clear
decisions.

this a classic example of how diplomats avoide answers. now... she said united states has no problem with somaliland independence, but revers that decision to AU, a body which cleary has problems with somaliland independence.
notice how ethiopia and united states answers are semililiar, both avoiding diplomatic and legal hurdles and following standard operating procedure when it comes to sepertaism

1 go to xamar
2 go regionaly
3 go continently (AU) a body dominated by powerfull pro somalia nations)

two classic exemple are eritrean independence and south sudan both follow standard operating procedure, you on the other hand want to jump the que and have a seat in the united nations security council, no wonder xamar doesnt bother countering you, its like waiting and expecting a car without engine to drive...unlikly that it will ever happen

[Blue_609]

Just a matter of time, My money is on END OF THE YEAR

thats what u ppl say every year

[SLJOOFAY]

There's gona be a mass Dooro suicide when Somaliland gains International recogntion

[DatBreh]

bro don`t you understand diplomatic language, first the secretary said

A/S Frazer said that the United States would not
be opposed to Somaliland independence if it should happen
within an AU context

then she followed up with what the AU chair person told her about somaliland

The first was that Somaliland negotiate
with the government in Mogadishu, either the TFG or its
successor, regarding its independence, and the second was
that there be a regional consensus on Somaliland’s status,
neither of which are likely to happen or result in any clear
decisions.

this a classic example of how diplomats avoide answers. now... she said united states has no problem with somaliland independence, but revers that decision to AU, a body which cleary has problems with somaliland independence.
notice how ethiopia and united states answers are semililiar, both avoiding diplomatic and legal hurdles and following standard operating procedure when it comes to sepertaism

1 go to xamar
2 go regionaly
3 go continently (AU) a body dominated by powerfull pro somalia nations)

two classic exemple are eritrean independence and south sudan both follow standard operating procedure, you on the other hand want to jump the que and have a seat in the united nations security council, no wonder xamar doesnt bother countering you, its like waiting and expecting a car without engine to drive...unlikly that it will ever happen

Eritrea and South Sudan had something Somaliland does not: an internationally recognised govt that their wish to secede from. The TFG is not a govt in which one can enter into binding agreements with, so Somaliland by not seeking to sit and talk with Sharif and co is in the right, saving themselves time and effort.

The problem lies with the African Union. After being given the lead in dealing with the SL case and despite their AU fact finding mission in 2005 which concluded that Somaliland's case was unique and fell in line with AU principles: respecting colonial borders, they have done nothing more to advance the issue. It has to be said that Somaliland for its part has done everything that it can do whereas the AU have not. It's not surprising though considering the AU is basically a club for old despots.

[SLJOOFAY]

The reason Somaliland hasn't already been recognised is that for the last 8 years we've had a leader who was more concerend with keeping him self in power, constantly looking over his shoulder. The document clearly states that he was unable to write a simple letter to the AU instead resending a previous letter. Since Silanyo came to power it is obvious to any one capable of seeing through their prejudices that the international community see's Somaliland as the only functioning viable government in the Horn of Africa. It is only a matter of time untill Somaliland gains recognition.

[Advo]

Just a matter of time, My money is on END OF THE YEAR

[ZubeirAwal]

There's gona be a mass Dooro suicide when Somaliland gains International recogntion

[Babygirl-]

A/S
Frazer clarified that the United States was not getting ready
to recognize Somaliland, conditions for addressing the
Somaliland issue. The first was that Somaliland negotiate
with the government in Mogadishu, either the TFG or its
successor, regarding its independence, and the second was
that there be a regional consensus on Somaliland’s status,
neither of which are likely to happen or result in any clear
decisions. Meles
said that the next chairperson is unlikely to be as positive
towards Somaliland as Konare, which will only further delay
any discussion of Somaliland.

¶19. (C/NF) Meles also noted the complications of the current
political situation inside Somaliland, While avoiding any specifics, Meles said that the clan
dynamics in Somaliland were out of balance, but that it was
important to convey to Rayale that he could not rely on
“outside forces” to tilt the balance in his favor. Even if
Ethiopia tried to intervene on Rayale,s behalf, Meles said,
the effort would fail.

[HooBariiska]

There's gona be a mass Dooro suicide when Somaliland gains International recogntion

[Babygirl-]

Just a matter of time, My money is on END OF THE YEAR

There's gona be a mass Dooro suicide when Somaliland gains International recogntion

when is that?