US embassy cable - 05ADDISABABA3802

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ADDIS ABABA 003802 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/FO, AF/RSA, AF/E, AF/C. LONDON AND PARIS 
FOR AFRICA WATCHERS. NSC FOR SWAYNE. 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/08/2015 
TAGS: PREL, ET, XA, AF UNION 
SUBJECT: AU'S KONARE ON AU ASSEMBLY CHIEF, WASHINGTON 
OFFICE. 
 
Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES A.I. VICKI HUDDLESTON. REASON: 1.4 (B) 
 AND (D) 
 
1. (C) Summary:  African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson 
Konare told Charge November 8 that Congo-Brazzaville 
President Denis Sassou-Nguesso appears to be the most likely 
successor to Nigerian President Obasanjo to serve as Chairman 
of the AU Assembly.  Konare also said that an AU team had 
just returned from Washington to identify appropriate 
premises for the AU Office.  He reiterated his request that 
the USG extend diplomatic status to AU officials in 
Washington and New York.  Separately, seven additional 
non-African Ambassadors presented their credentials to Konare 
on October 20.  End summary. 
 
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BUZZ ON THE NEXT AU ASSEMBLY CHAIR 
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2. (C) Asked for information on the next AU Assembly 
Chairman, Konare replied that he is adamant that Sudanese 
President Bashir not succeed Obasanjo, and that "many" 
African leaders agree with him that Sudan's assuming the 
Chairmanship would be a disaster for Africa.  Konare went so 
far as to declare that he will step down as AU Commission 
Chairperson if El Bashir were elected.  He expressed 
disbelief that El Bashir believes he is prepared to assume 
the Chairmanship.  (Note:  Although the January 2006 AU 
Summit is scheduled to be held in Khartoum, the January 2005 
AU Summit de-linked Summit location and AU Assembly 
Chairmanship.  End note). 
 
3. (C) Konare said that West Africa has had its turn and that 
the next AU Assembly Chairman would come from either the 
Eastern or Central region.  Konare commented that there are 
"not many choices" in the Eastern region.  Ugandan President 
Museveni is no longer a possibility as he has changed the 
constitution to allow him to remain in office, Konare stated. 
 Tanzania would be acceptable, but the President is too new. 
Konare said that Kenya is not an option because the President 
is "ill."  Konare concluded that Congo-Brazzaville President 
Sassou-Nguesso is the most likely candidate to replace 
Obasanjo.  (Note:  Konare has in the past expressed 
reservations regarding Sassou-Nguesso's ability to step up to 
the formidable task of following in Obasanjo's footsteps, but 
other AU officials speculate that Konare has also grown weary 
of the strong and "micro-managing" Obasanjo.  End note). 
 
4. (SBU) AU officials report that the next AU Assembly 
Chairman will have been selected behind-the-scenes in advance 
of the late-January 2006 AU Summit, but the official 
announcement will occur in Khartoum. 
 
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WASHINGTON OFFICE 
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5. (SBU) Konare told Charge that a team from the Deputy 
Chairperson's office had just returned from Washington to 
research potential alternative locations for the AU Office. 
According to Konare, the premises offered by Nigeria does not 
have a large enough conference facility to accommodate all 
African Ambassadors in Washington. 
 
6. (SBU) Konare expressed frustration that the USG has so far 
not extended diplomatic status to personnel at the AU's 
office in New York and soon-to-be-established office in 
Washington.  He asked that Washington approve the request 
soon, arguing that the OAU did enjoy diplomatic status in New 
York but that he believes the USG revoked that status due to 
differences of opinion on Libya that no longer apply. 
 
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ADDITIONAL NON-AFRICAN AMBASSADORS PRESENT AU CREDENTIALS 
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7. (U) On October 20, Ambassadors from Pakistan, North Korea, 
Belgium, Poland, Russia, Mexico and Brazil presented their 
credentials to Konare in a ceremony at AU headquarters. 
These Ambassadors join the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, 
Finland, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Spain, Japan, the UK, 
France, Norway, Italy, Serbia & Montenegro, Sweden, Germany, 
the European Commission, Austria, Portugal, China, Greece, 
Turkey, the Republic of Korea and Romania, who were 
previously accredited to the AU.  Konare told the assembled 
Ambassadors that their decision to accept accreditation to 
the AU shows their faith in the AU and in the future of 
Africa. 
 
8. (U) According to Addis-based diplomats present at the 
ceremony, Konare said that despite Africa's many challenges, 
the continent has potential.  The AU has an important role to 
play in guiding Africa's quest for good governance, rule of 
law and economic development.  Konare said that the AU is 
working with the regions to achieve a United States of 
Africa.  He emphasized that the AU cannot be compared to the 
old OAU, as the AU works not only for African governments but 
also for the people of Africa.  Konare pointed to the opening 
of the Pan African Parliament, the institution of the 
Economic and Social Council and the development of the 
African Court for Human and People's Rights, in addition to 
the AU's greater role in coordinating the international 
positions of its 53 member states, as evidence that the AU is 
relevant in ensuring Africa's dreams are fulfilled. 
HUDDLESTON