Somaliland Time To Face The Music

[dagameison]

You wanna cry about human rights abuses? your whole god damn govt is a human rights abuse case. After this leak im posting the bribes paid for your election to happen. Not 1 single brib allegation is against puntland or corruption except that some feel its majerten hegenomy

SUBJECT: Somalia - Amended ATA 7031 Leahy VETTING Request DS/ATA
Course for SOMALILAND

REF: A. NAIROBI 405
B. STATE 6869

NAIROBI 00000417 001.2 OF 002


1. Reftel A listed names, years of birth, and ministries of
SOMALILAND participants in ATA 7031, Integrating Counter Terrorism
Strategies at the National Level, March 16 - April 3, 2009 in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia (as announced in reftel B). At post's encouragement
and Government of SOMALILAND's agreement, SOMALILAND has reduced the
number of coast guard officers and increased the number of police
officers, while still maintaining 22 participants. Post believes
increased police participation was essential to the training's
success and the potential to meet the course's objective of standing
up a counter-terrorism center.

2. We hereby submit the new, amended list of participants. Post
again requests Department's assistance in screening these members of
the SOMALILAND interior ministry, immigration, customs, police
forces and coast guard nominated to participate in the course.
Pursuant to the Leahy Act and Foreign Assistance Act, Post is
reviewing its files for gross violations of human rights for the
individuals listed in paragraph 3. In the meantime, post has
requested more complete biographic information, including place of
birth, and day and month of birth. Note: Somalis sometimes do not
know their month and day of birth. End Note.

3. All candidates are Somali citizens and born in Somalia. The
candidates are as follows:

1) Name: Ahmed Abdirahman Hasan
DOB: 1955
Rank: Head of Security and Team Leader
Dept: Interior Ministry

2) Name: Mohamed Abdi Gurgurre
DOB: 1955
Rank: Deputy Head of Security
Dept: Interior Ministry

3) Name: Dahir Isse Mirre
DOB: 1958
Rank: Immigration Officer
Dept: Immigration

4) Name: Mohamed Elmi Ahmed
DOB: 1972
Rank: Immigration Officer
Dept: Immigration

5) Name: Mustafa Osman Ali
DOB: 1969
Rank: Immigration Officer
Dept: Immigration

6) Name: Ahmed Aqli Nuur
DOB: 1979
Rank: Immigration Officer
Dept: Immigration

7) Name: Khadar Mohamed Jaama
DOB: 1956
Rank: Immigration Officer
Dept: Immigration

8) Name: Ahmed Abdullahi Omar
DOB: 1955
Rank: Customs Officer
Dept: Customs

9) Name: Salebaan Artan Gedi
DOB: 1954
Rank: Customs Officer
Dept: Customs

10) Name: Faysal Hiis Elmi Warsame
DOB: 1959
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

11) Name: Faysal Ibrahim Yusuf Elmi
DOB: 1965
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

12) Name: Hassan Hussein Elmi Igaal
DOB: 1960
Rank: Police Officer

NAIROBI 00000417 002 OF 002


Dept: Police

13) Name: Mohamed Salebaan Isse Yusuf
DOB: 1965
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

14) Name: Yusef Abdi Adam Abdullahi
DOB: 1981
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

15) Name: Mohamed Ibrahim M. Maygaag
DOB: 1986
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

16) Name: Abdirahman Mohamud Madar Nuur
DOB: 1970
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

17) Name: Ahmed Hussein Intifa' Sugal
DOB: 1966
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

18) Name: Dahir Dirir Jaama' Mohamed
DOB: 1963
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

19) Name: Ismail Ahmed Jama' Hersi
DOB: 1966
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

20) Name: Abdullahi Abdirahman Diriye
DOB: 1966
Rank: Police Officer
Dept: Police

21) Name: Mohamed Beder Ali
DOB: 1986
Rank: Coast Guard Officer
Dept: Coast Guard

22) Name: Ibrahim Hussen Hassan
DOB: 1988
Rank: Coast Guard Officer
Dept: Coast Guard

[dagameison]

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 NAIROBI 002009

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S CARSON

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/23/2019
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, KDEM, EAID, SO
SUBJECT: SOMALIA - NEXT STEPS FOR SOMALILAND

REF: A. NAIROBI 1926
B. NAIROBI 1834
C. NAIROBI 1719

Classified By: Counselor for Somalia Affairs Bob Patterson for reasons
1.4 (b,d).

1. (C) Summary: Since the July 27 decision by the National
Electoral Commission and President Riyale to throw out the
voter registration list, SOMALILAND has been embroiled in a
political crisis. In recent weeks, this crisis has escalated
into violent confrontation between a presidential
administration seemingly willing to do anything necessary to
remain in power and opposition supporters. International and
indigenous mediation efforts are ongoing. The administration
appears to be targeting domestic efforts with cash and
promises of future rewards in order to ensure an outcome in
its favor. September 23 conversations with the Speaker,
SOMALILAND Foreign Minister, and the leaders of the two
opposition parties suggest that there is agreement on general
principles for a way forward, but continuing divergence on
the all-important details. The USG, in concert with
international partners, could break the political deadlock by
pressuring President Riyale and his inner circle to address
legitimate opposition party concerns. End summary.

--------------------
Public Pushed Toward
The Tipping Point
--------------------

2. (C) SOMALILAND's tradition of relative peace and pride in
consensus politics was weakened by the September 12 killing
by the police of four and the wounding of several
demonstrators in Hargeisa (ref a). The disproportionate
force deployed by security officials and indiscriminate
shooting at unarmed protesters seemed to have shocked the
general public and mobilized many against a government that
is increasingly characterized as "tyrannical" and
"dictatorial." All of our interlocutors agreed that Riyale
and his inner circle were willing to do virtually anything
necessary to hold on to power, even at the price of
SOMALILAND's hard-earned relative stability. The opposition
tells us that if the administration makes no concessions, it
risks plunging the region into more violence.

3. (C) The nationwide peaceful protests of September 6
seemed to signal a new era in SOMALILAND's political
maturity. Underlying the peaceful protest, however, was
extreme dissatisfaction, particularly among the youth, with
the entrenched political elite. Many SOMALILANDers are now
calling for a caretaker government instead of allowing
President Riyale to remain in office until the elections can
be re-scheduled. At a September 16 meeting, "non-political"
SOMALILANDers working in Nairobi were adamant that only a
newly-appointed caretaker government would be acceptable.
In Hargeisa, our conversations with representatives from the
opposition parties were less categorical. Faisal Warabe of
UCID appears to still be amenable to a "technical extension"
in order to organize the elections. But "Silanyo" and others
within the Kulmiye party insist that Riyale will never allow
elections to be held, especially elections that would be free
or fair. At the same time, there is public pressure on all
parties to reach a consensus on the way forward and many
believe that a "technical" extension for a reasonable amount
of time to organize elections would be the least
destabilizing compromise.

---------------------------
Mediation Efforts Continue:
Undermined by Cash Payoffs
---------------------------

4. (C) Several mediation efforts are ongoing, with
journalists, scholars, traditional elders, parliamentary
committees, and the GUURTI trying to break the political
impasse (ref b). All of our contacts in the opposition
parties, civil society, and elsewhere expressed reservations
about the Government of Ethiopia's mediation effort. They
told us that the GOE had never been an "honest broker." Most
suspected that it was working to advance the government's
cause, including pushing for an unconditional one-year
extension for Riyale. Some Embassy interlocutors maintain

NAIROBI 00002009 002 OF 004


that "home grown" mediation efforts have always been
SOMALILAND's hallmark and are more likely to succeed. While
many of those groups leading self-declared mediation efforts
have the best intentions, their efforts are not coordinated,
may be at cross purposes, and are highly susceptible to clan
and other influences.

5. (C) Both the upper and lower houses of parliament are
leading mediation efforts. Several of our Hargeisa-based
contacts alleged to us that President Riyale's inner circle
is offering MPs from opposition parties in the House of
Representatives a rumored USD 10,000 each to call off the
impeachment motion tabled on September 5. We have elsewhere
heard that several representatives in the GUURTI (House of
Elders) have negotiated payments of USD 5,000 each to table
and support a motion for an extension of Riyale's
presidential term. With state revenues dwindling, there are
reports that Riyale's coterie has extorted money from the
SOMALILAND-based business community by threatening to close
down their operations if they refused to pay. It is widely
rumored that the administration has committed substantial
sums from all sources to maintain its hold on power.

---------------------
International Efforts
---------------------

6. (C) Throughout the voter registration process and during
preparations for SOMALILAND's elections, the Somalia Unit
worked closely with other donors. Through the SOMALILAND
Democratization Committee, Nairobi-based missions have issued
joint press statements about the political crisis. Most
SOMALILANDers tell us they have appreciated the international
community's statements, but tell us that it is not enough.
Our contacts have encouraged the USG and its partners to take
a stronger stance against the government's efforts to
undermine the electoral process. They have asked us to help
identify the most "legitimate" mediation track and support
efforts to negotiate a political compromise.

-------------------------
Current State-of-Play:
Agreement Close but
Disagreement on Details
-------------------------

7. (C) In September 23 telephone calls, the SOMALILAND
Foreign Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and the heads of
the two opposition parties offered different versions of the
current state-of-play. Foreign Minister Dualeh told Somalia
Unit that agreement was at hand, and that a memorandum of
understanding that would extend the term of President Riyale,
call for adjusting the composition of the National Electoral
Committee, and "fine tune" the voter registration list would
be signed imminently.

8. (C) UCID Chairman Faisal Warabe disagreed. He hinged his
party's agreement on the incumbent government's willingness
to add ministers from opposition parties to its mix, agree to
an extension of no more than four months to Riyale's term,
and accept that there would be no further postponements of
the presidential elections. Warabe hoped that any
three-party pact would be agreed by the international
community. The government's failure to agree, Warabe
guessed, could lead to further street clashes.

9. (C) Kulmiye Chairman Silanyo stipulated in a September 23
conversation that elections would have to be held as soon as
possible, with the election timetable to be established by an
independent technical committee backed by the international
community. Silanyo said that his party would not accept the
six-month extension of Riyale's term reportedly under
consideration in the GUURTI.

10. (C) On September 23, Speaker of Parliament Abdirahman
Abdullahi "Irro" encouraged us to urge all parties to suspend
parliamentary proceedings on the impeachment motion and on
the GUURTI move to extend Riyale's term for one year. The
Speaker cautioned that Riyale is pressuring the GUURTI to
vote on the extension in the next two days, telling his
supporters that this position is advocated by the
international community. "Irro" favors continued mediation,
international support, and additional time for the parties to

NAIROBI 00002009 003 OF 004


reach consensus.

--------------------------------
UNPOS Not Acceptable as Mediator
--------------------------------

11. (C) In September, the UN Political Office for Somalia
made two trips to Hargeisa, with Deputy SRSG Charles Petrie
leading the first delegation and SRSG Ould-Abdallah traveling
to Hargeisa a few days later. UNPOS has not assumed the lead
on any formal mediation efforts. Swedish Special Envoy Joran
Bjallerstedt told us that the EU is reluctant to have UNPOS
take the lead and is unwilling to go to Hargeisa as part of a
combined international donor mission led by the UN. Many
believe that UNPOS has not been sufficiently engaged with
SOMALILAND and has little political capital to spend there.
With no clear international lead on mediation it may be more
effective for us to maintain pressure on key officials within
the government. We may do this behind the scenes in
conjunction with our international community partners,
including through press interviews.

-------------------
Levers of Influence
-------------------

12. (C) All of our partners in the Nairobi-based
international donor group agree that it is time for us to
collectively take a more active role in helping to resolve
SOMALILAND's political crisis, but we have not yet reached a
consensus on how to proceed. At the same time, at our last
meeting on September 11, all expressed a willingness to
deliver a tougher message to Riyale. The challenge has always
been how to enforce adherence to eventual agreements among
the key stakeholders. Suggested enforcement tools have
included the UN Monitoring Group, threats of sanctions, and
the withholding of international assistance to the
administration's security sector.

13. (C) Several months ago, President Riyale sent his family
to France, where he owns property (he also reportedly has
several houses in Djibouti and Kenya), a signal to some that
he is willing to pursue his political ambitions to the bitter
end. Key advisors, like the Minister of Finance, also have
extensive financial holdings. Riyale's inner circle,
including the Minister of Interior and the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, travel extensively. These key players might
be highly susceptible to a clear message that they could be
the target of sanctions, including travel bans and asset
freezes, if they continue to undermine the political process.
In an August meeting, a senior government advisor identified
key members of the Riyale's inner circle (ref c) who could be
targeted. Of course, pressure must also be placed on the two
main opposition leaders, and key figures within the NEC and
Parliament.

14. (C) Other levers could include the "carrot" of increased
international assistance to SOMALILAND, with adherence to the
rule of law a condition for undertaking key programs. In
recent weeks, there are reports that, on orders from
President Riyale, the Minister of Interior has diverted key
security assets from SOMALILAND's Special Protection Unit and
the police, in order to suppress public gatherings. The
international community could make clear that it will suspend
payment to the police force if they continue to be used in
that manner.

---------------------------
Pressuring Riyale to Resign
---------------------------

15. (C) Clan elders from Riyale's own minority Gadobirsey
clan are pressuring him to immediately change his behavior.
We understand that clan sultans told Riyale that he has
become the major cause of the political crisis and that he
could lose their support. Despite his minority status,
Riyale enjoys considerable support from the dominant Issak
clan - some of whom were slow to criticize Riyale in order to
avert a backlash from SOMALILAND's minority groups. In
recent months however, Riyale's support reportedly has waned
both within his own clan and among the Issak leaders who have
supported his regime. On September 18, an influential
business leader from Riyale's clan told us pressure was

NAIROBI 00002009 004 OF 004


succeeding and that Riyale reportedly told clan elders that
he was willing to resign if it would help end the stalemate.

16. (C) Several of our contacts have said that since the USG
was instrumental in encouraging former President Abdullahi
Yusuf and former Prime Minister Gedi to resign from their
offices, we should exert similar influence in SOMALILAND.
They also mentioned that Riyale's past indicates that he is
willing to liberally employ state resources to the detriment
of his own people. (Note: From 1988 to 1999 Riyale was a
high-ranking intelligence officer in the National Security
Services under then-President Siad Barre. Riyale was
implicated in civil liberties and human rights abuses. End
note.) Riyale's critics point to his history, including the
four extensions of his term in office that he has engineered,
to demonstrate that SOMALILAND's president will put his own
interests before that of his people.

-------
Comment
-------

17. (C) At this juncture, the U.S. could play a critical
supporting role in helping solve SOMALILAND's political
crisis, and by extension preserving stability in the region.
By encouraging indigenous efforts to pressure key actors
behind the scenes, we can help break the deadlock. One of
the key sticking points continues to be what will occur at
the end of Riyale's term in office. By encouraging all
actors to immediately return to the table to negotiate next
steps, especially on the National Electoral Committee and the
voter registration list, we can help get the elections back
on track. The UK has pledged financial support for electoral
experts and we have already discussed with our partners the
feasibility of immediate help to the political parties as
these issues are negotiated. The goal would be to establish
a firm timeline for the presidential election. Our highest
priority is that SOMALILAND remains stable, and we believe
that an election based on all-party consensus, freely
reached, and with buy-in from the public, is the best way to
achieve that goal.

[HooBariiska]

who the fok are u?

[Landerious]

somaliland, the greatest democracy in Africa and arguably in one of the hemispheres.

[dagameison]

CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS? I've highlighted the necessary part.

SUBJECT: AU SUMMIT: Somaliland FORMIN REASSURES A/S CARSON
ON ELECTIONS, REQUESTS ASSISTANCE

Classified By: USAU Ambassador Michael Battle for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (
d).

1. (U) February 1, 2010; 7:00 p.m.; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

2. (C) Participants:

U.S.
Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson
Ambassador Michael Battle
USAU DCM Joel Maybury
Special Assistant Akunna Cook
IO Michael Gonzales (Notetaker)

Somaliland
Foreign Minister Abdullahi Duale
Notetaker

3. (C) SUMMARY. Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdullahi
Duale assured Amb. Carson that the "nightmare" political
stand-off over the coming elections in Somaliland "is
behind us," that the government of Somaliland has adopted
the six-point agreement between parties as national policy,
and that the re-constituted National Electoral Commission
(NEC) is a cohesive body. Duale encouraged the United
States to send a team to observe the elections. Duale
also urged increased U.S. development assistance to build
roads and infrastructure. Noting that insecurity in Yemen
has a direct impact on Somaliland, Duale expresses his
government's hope that U.S.-Yemeni counterterrorism
collaboration in Yemen does not negatively impact
Somaliland. Affirming that al-Shabaab extremists in
Somalia continue to threaten Somaliland, Duale emphasized
the need to build the capacity of Alhu Sunna Wal Jama'a
(ASWJ), which the ForMin asserted "we believe can make
a difference in Somalia." Noting that the United States
wants to see Somaliland succeed, Amb. Carson stressed the
expectation that the government will continue to provide
public services, build institutions, and serve as a model
for the rest of Somalia. Carson urged Somaliland to "stay
on a democratic track," noting that loss of public
confidence in governments prompts people to look to other
avenues of support. End Summary.

ELECTIONS: THE NIGHTMARE IS BEHIND US
-------------------------------------

4. (C) Getting right to business, Foreign Minister Duale
opened his meeting with Amb. Carson by arguing that the
"nightmare (political stand-off over the coming elections
in Somaliland) is behind us." Duale argued that, unlike
the previous group, the reconstituted NEC is cohesive and
Somaliland is waiting for the NEC to set an election date.
Arguing that Somaliland now has a "clean slate," Duale
stressed that the government has adopted as policy the six-
point agreement signed last Fall between political parties
and will ensure that it is fully implemented. While the
government infrastructure is in place for the elections,
Duale conceded that security preparations remain underway.
Noting that his government has already invited the EU,
Arab League, Intergovernmental Authority on Development
(IGAD), and African Union to observe the coming elections,
Duale asked the United States to also send an observer
team. Quickly pressing through his agenda, Duale cited
that after 20 years "we see the light at the end of the
tunnel and we would like to see development." The
Foreign Minister urged the international community to
take a two-track approach with regard to Somaliland and
southern Somalia. While continuing to support the south,
he called for development assistance to help build roads
and infrastructure in Somaliland.

5. (C) Appreciating the stability that Somaliland has
brought to the region, Amb. Carson noted that the United
States wants to see the government deliver services, build
institutions, and serve as a model for the rest of Somalia.
"We urge you to stay on a democratic track," Carson

ADDIS ABAB 00000236 002 OF 002


stressed noting that loss of public confidence in
governments prompts people to look to other avenues of
support. "To the extent that the government can conduct
credible elections, build institutions, and effectively
utilize resources, the U.S. can assist," Carson stated.
"The U.S. is lacking neither commitment or resources, but
that we need confidence -- which only the government can
give -- in order to move ahead with support."

6. (C) In light of the region's history with extremists,
Duale stressed that security is of paramount concern,
especially during the coming elections. The Foreign
Minister reminded Amb. Carson that his government has an
outstanding request in with the U.S. Government and is
still awaiting a response. Duale announced that President
Riyale has asked the Somaliland representative in
Washington, Saad Noor, a letter to pass to the State
Department and encouraged Amb. Carson to receive him once
Carson returns to the U.S.

INSECURITY STILL A PROBLEM, FROM YEMEN AND SOUTHERN SOMALIA
--------------------------------------------- --------------

7. (C) Duale immediately segued to note Somaliland's
appreciation for close relations with regional countries,
including Yemen, and mentioned that it recently opened a
six-person office in Yemen. Noting that insecurity in
Yemen has a direct impact on Somaliland, which lies just
80 kms from Aden, he stressed that information sharing
between the two countries is imperative. Duale cited his
hope that U.S.-Yemeni counterterrorism collaboration in
Yemen does not negatively impact Somaliland. Duale used
U.S. interventions in Afghanistan as an example that
Somaliland wanted to avoid, arguing that the U.S. focus
on Afghanistan without factoring in adequately the broader
region allowed the emergence of a Pakistani Taliban.

8. (C) Duale confirmed to Amb. Carson that al-Shabaab and
related extremists remain a "real threat" to Somaliland,
which they do not take lightly. Duale reported that a
Somaliland military commander was recently killed in the
town of Las Anod. "We must be serious to counter them,"
he said after reporting that the government had cut all
communications links with Las Anod and the Defense and
Interior Ministers to the region were currently in the
region to address security. Duale stated that security
officers had caught several people involved in killing
the commander; two are Eritrean citizens and others are
from Mogadishu. Duale mentioned that Somaliland has
robust information sharing arrangements with Ethiopia
and Djibouti, and has "eyes" in Hargeisa, Las Anod, and
Bossaso.

9. (C) Noting with appreciation the support which the
United States is giving in the region, Duale stressed
the need to build the capacity of ASWJ. "They are very
tolerant and we know them," Duale attested, "We believe
that they can make a positive difference in Somalia."
Amb. Carson acknowledged the positive contributions that
ASWJ has made in Somalia and noted the U.S. encouragement
on Somali Transitional Federal President Sheikh Sharif to
find common cause with ASWJ based on common goals of
stability and a secure Somalia rather than just on a
shared enemy.

[dagameison]

Who are your eyes in Bosaso ironically its not garowe cause its one clan city!!! So who's your eyes in Bosaso. Is it reer atam? or dashishe?

[hargaysaay]

sxb sland baa ku waashay ma istidhi iska seexo niyaw puntland haday waalato sl gaadhi maysee

[dagameison]

sxb sland baa ku waashay ma istidhi iska seexo niyaw puntland haday waalato sl gaadhi maysee

I simply asked you to answer whos your eyes in bosaso? and your talking about competition with somaliland? dude we have 6 jetfighters, tanks, bms, naval vessels, trucks people movers and heavy trucks equipped with strong firepower, technicals bulletproof, other high tech armoury like silencers, gunscopes, night vision goggles. Sxb thats all operational. Your only operational thing is technicals, and bms. Nothing else is proven to move.

Pland is on a league of its own we influenced two track policy and it only took us since 2008 till now to get it implemented. Your policies have failed wheres ur recognition after 20 years? you use our ports you come to garowe for our passports sxb its always u begging not the other way around. The only remote thing we use in sland is fly there thru transit in particular from dubai cuz the kenya to galkayo is direct cuz its paved and garowe and bosaso is going to be paved and we wont be using even transits there.

So just answer the question, who are your eyes in Bosaso? thats all i am asking u not competition i am beyond sland that was 2009 stuff im now concerned about other major things like oil projects and $60 billion revenues and how to best use that for puntland!!!

[SahanGalbeed]

Warye dageimeson, "who is your eyes " ha inagu odhan inaga . Ilaahey baa ino "eyes" hadda sow maad garan ? .Sidaad isku lahayd basaasnimada ayaan ku dheereeya , ayaad ino soo ban dhigtay "wikileaks" ki Faroole oo caddeynaysa "backstabbers"- nimada lagu sheego majeertenka iyo xaasidnimadooda .

Orodo iska maqnow , haddaad Ilaahey taqaan dan ka ma lihin inagu majeertenya

[hargaysaay]

degameison sxb dad muslina oo isa sii xigna weliba somali wada ah baynu nahay ninka walaalkaa ee kaa horeeya waa lagu daydaaa waxaana lagu ducaystaa in ilaahay ku siiyo wuxuu isaga siiyay sland ilaahay horumar iyo nabad buu siiyay pland iyo somaliaba ilaahay intaa ha siiyo.
ana sland waxaan ilaahay uga baryayaa nimcooyinka uu somalia siiyay inuu siiyo. after all we are umatul mohamed csws

regarding yor question my brother i dont believe somaliand has any ears or eyes in bosaso