US embassy cable - 07DJIBOUTI892

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000892 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF/E 
LONDON, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER 
NAIROBI FOR SOMALIA WATCHER 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2017 
TAGS: ECON, SOCI, PNAT, SO 
SUBJECT: TWO VIEWS ON SOMALILAND: HOSTILE FORCES TARGET 
ECONOMY, NO RETURN TO A UNITED SOMALIA 
 
 
Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES LARRY E. ANDRE FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) AND 
 (d) 
 
1. (C) In a August 1 meeting, the Charge d'Affaires (CDA) and 
Poloff met with Amcit Youssouf Oday, a part-time resident of 
Hargeysa, Somaliland, who stressed that "hostile forces" in 
Somaliland are implementing Qstrategic plan to dominate the 
economy as part of a wider agenda to gain political influence 
in the Horn of Africa. Oday lamented the absence of the 
United States in Somaliland, saying the "hostile forces" are 
taking advantage of our absence. Oday observed that radical 
clerics from outside Somaliland are buying into the economy 
with the help of partners from Kenya, Ethiopia, and 
Mogadishu. They are, he noted, positioning themselves across 
all major sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, 
banking, hotels, import/export, catering, and agriculture. 
 
2. (C) The CDA asked Oday why the Somaliland government 
permits these "extremists" to operate in the country. Oday 
responded that although their numbers are relatively few, the 
"extremists" are gaining trust by creating jobs. Oday also 
said they bribe police if necessary. He remarked that 
Somaliland is worse off now than five years ago due to a 
weakened Somaliland government composed, he said, of 
"underqualified ministers." Oday added that these "radicals," 
many of whom were Eastern bloc-trained former Somalia 
military officers, have a strong bias against anyone with a 
"Western" education. 
 
3. (C) The CDA asked Oday his views on Somaliland's prospects 
of gaining international recognition as an independent state. 
Oday responded that Somalilanders will never go back to 
Somalia after what happened to them under Siad Barre. He said 
they would rather die fighting than become part of Somalia. 
"With or without recognition, they will never agree to go 
back to Somalia." 
 
4. (C) As regards to thwarting "hostile forces" influence in 
Somaliland, Oday championed the return of Somalilanders from 
abroad who can compete with the "radicals" for commercial and 
political influence. The expatriates, he said, are educated 
and know how to do business. 
 
5. (C) During a subsequent meeting with Djibouti's Minister 
of Communication, Ali Abdi Farah, the CDA heard similar 
sentiments in support of Somaliland recognition. The Minister 
said that Somaliland's democracy is among the most vibrant on 
the continent. He noted that in the very close election for 
President, the losing candidate graciously conceded defeat. 
"How open do you see that, anywhere in the world?" he asked. 
The Minister stressed that while Somalilanders wish their 
southern neighbors well, "there is no going back, ever." 
 
6. (C) As for Somalia, he expressed exasperation with "Yusuf 
and Gedi's inability to distinguish between moderate and 
extremist Islamic Court leaders, and their unwillingness to 
extend a hand to the moderates." 
ANDRE