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01 August 2008
U.S. Special Envoy to Somalia Discusses Current Events in Region
Ask America webchat transcript, July 31
Ambassador John M. Yates, the U.S. special envoy for Somalia, participates in a July 31 Ask America webchat discussion on current events in Somalia.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Ask America Webchat Transcript
The U.S. View on Current Events in Somalia
Guest: Ambassador John M. Yates
Date: July 31, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. EDT (12:00 GMT, 15:00 Nairobi/Somalia)
Moderator: Welcome to today's webchat! We will begin shortly.
Ambassador Yates: Good afternoon. It’s rainy and cool here in Nairobi, but I’m glad to be with you. Thank you for participating today. This is the second web chat I’ve done, and I believe the first one was very successful.
Allow me to start by briefly reiterating our support for the agreement between the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia that was signed on June 9 in Djibouti. As I’ve stated previously on various media outlets, the United States applauds the leadership of the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), my friend and colleagues Ahmedou Ould-Abadallah. We also commend the other parties who contributed to the Agreement. We’re eager to see continued progress on implementation, under the leadership of President Yusuf and Prime Minister Hussein on the TFG side, and Sheikh Sharif Ahmed Hassan and Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adam on the ARS side.
With that, I’m happy to take your questions.
Question [Ahmed Omar]: Why does the United States Government, and specifically the State Department, support the Ethiopian occupation of Somalia, when it is abundantly clear that any Ethiopian occupation is unacceptable to the Somali population, given the history and enmity that is between these peoples? Would the people of the United States accept a communist or Russian occupation, even if a small number of mediocre politicians requested the occupation and domination of the United States? Also, how can the United States be silent on the atrocities and widely documented abuses of human rights and humanitarian laws in Somalia by the minority dictatorship in Addis, when it is the only superpower and the leader of the free world of democracies? Who can oppressed people all over the world look up to for support and relief?
Ambassador Yates: Your view on this issue is clear, and I won’t address each point with which I disagree. However, let me point out that the cornerstone of the Djibouti Agreement is the departure of the Ethiopian troops. I’m certain that the Ethiopians would like to leave Somalia as soon as possible. However, neither the TFG, many Somalis with whom we have spoken or most members of the international community including specifically the United States believe it would be wise for them to depart until conditions permit -- that is that their departure will not leave a security vacuum. The SRSG has been in New York recently to consult with the Security Council and we are backing the drafting of a resolution to provide a peace keeping operation.
Moderator: If you're just joining us, welcome. Ambassador Yates is now reviewing your questions. We hope you understand that he has received many questions today and will get to as many as he can.
Q [Abdi2]: Why does the U.S. not recognize Somaliland, which has already established peace, stability and democratic institutions in order to encourage politicians in Somalia to do so? In other words, recognizing Somaliland will send strong message to "politicians" in Somalia that U.S. means business.
Ambassador Yates: First of all we respect and admire the efforts that have been made in Somaliland to establish competent governance and maintain peace. The real issue is that no nation has recognized Somaliland’s independence. We will not get ahead of the African Union on this issue. This is an African concern for African action. In the meantime, we maintain a productive relationship with the regional government in Hargeisa, including for example an on-going assistance program funded by USAID.
Q [july11960@hotmail.com]: To: U.S. Envoy for Somalia Affairs. You’re Excellency; you know Somalia is under going a brutal war between Somalis and their historic enemy Ethiopia. As an expert diplomat, I am sure you are fully aware that Somalia will never be stable place while its enemy is in it and killing its innocent civilians. Therefore, why is the United States watching silently such inhumane and barbaric killings against civilians in their homes without considering international laws protecting civilians? Ethiopian troops are doing what they have been dreaming for centuries, and that was to occupied Somalia and get revenge to their enemy.
You’re Excellency; my last question. Is the United States continues to supporting Ethiopia as far it is killing Somalians?
I don't think my questions would get much attention, but don't forget those Somalians who are being killed in their homes are human beings. They have blood; they have families and relatives who love them as do to yours.
Please advice to your government to re-evaluate its policy toward Somalia.
Thank you, F.A.
Ambassador Yates: Your question does indeed get my attention. In fact, I spend a lot of time on this issue. We are working hard to assist in creating the conditions by which the Ethiopians can leave Somalia. The violence and general lack of security in Somalia have affected all Somalis deeply. We’re hopeful that on the heels of the June 9 Djibouti Agreement, the conditions can be created for deployment of a UN or international force which will facilitate the rapid departure of the Ethiopian troops. Ultimately, we’re all working toward a situation where peace and stability pervades, rather than 18 more years of chaos; during most of which the Ethiopians were not in Mogadishu. I’ve said often that this is the last and best chance for Somalia. We need everyone to get behind the Djibouti Agreement between the TFG and ARS to gain an environment where Somalis don’t have to worry about violence on a daily basis.
Q [Gashan]: Morning Dr. Yates, the general perception amongst many Somalis, those in the US in particular, is that the US approach to the Somali problem is half-hearted, make-believe policy at best, and imperial at worse. And that it is neither committed, nor prepared to fully engage in the process of helping the country rise from its self-inflicted downfall. Fair perception? Thank you.
Ambassador Yates: The United States is fully committed to working with the Somali people and the international community under the leadership of the SRSG, to do our utmost to help find a resolution to this tragic situation. Secretary Rice's appointment of a Special Envoy last year was a visible, concrete step testifying to this commitment. The nearly $100 million we have dedicated to support the deployment of AMISOM forces, the ongoing massive humanitarian assistance - $235 (million) dollars committed in FY2008, and a much-expanded bilateral program are just a few examples of our commitment.
Q [Cunaye]: Good evening Ambassador Yates,
Firstly I would like to express my gratitude with your willingness to take on this challenging duty of trying to bring about peace and stability in Somalia, and I am positive that you would be able to overcome this challenge as you have done in other tasks previously.
Dear Ambassador one of the things that really concerns me regarding Somalia is the Environment topic, As we all know that the beginning of 2008 that there have been frequent news headlines regarding piracy in Somalia's long coast, we even had that breaking news of the French troops arresting the pirates in Somali land. My most important concern is the lack of International and U.N condemnation of what is actually taking place in the Somali Coast, I am stressing the Illegal Commercial fishing, Dumping of chemicals or even Nuclear waste and the lack of the Transitional government not even mentioning these important topics which are vital to Somali livelihood.
I thank the Ambassador for offering his time to consider as normal people.
Ambassador Yates: Thank you for your compliments on the work we’re doing to rebuild Somalia. The problem of piracy off of Somalia is a serious one, and I assure you there’s been plenty of condemnation of these acts from the international community, including the UN. On June 2, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1816, which calls on other countries to assist the TFG in combating piracy in Somali waters. These acts are a serious threat to life and commerce. In addition to the violence perpetrated on the victims during these attacks, the delivery of humanitarian aid to millions of Somalis is being slowed, and sometimes stopped, due to the unsafe maritime environment.
Q [Abdalla]: How come America advocated the departure of Syrians from Lebanon, while they want Ethiopians to stay in Somalia isn’t this double standard?
The sight of Ethiopian soldiers in Somalia is the cause of all the fighting and by removing them at least the intensity of the fighting will decrease and the people can go back to their homes.
Therefore, this notion of security vacuum that will be created if Ethiopia leaves is not true and is an excuse coming from the TFG and the Ethiopians who don’t have support on the ground and want to extend the Ethiopian occupation in Somalia to keep Somali people under turmoil.
Finally, we are for peace, but we have no choice but to defend our land till Ethiopia leaves and stays away from Somalia…
P.S. If my questions sound anti-American will I be added to the list of terrorists or I am allowed to have an opinion?
Ambassador Yates: Your opinions are welcome, and I thank you for participating in the web chat. I’ll ask you to see my answers above regarding the departure of Ethiopian troops from Somalia.
Q [Chat Participant]: I am Mohammad from London.
I think everybody knows that Ethiopia needs real good governance than Somalia, because if I am not mad, everybody knows what happens in Ethiopia when it comes to a fair election date. Therefore, how can a country who does not respect rule of law support the democratic process of another country, especially when it is its neighbour and longtime enemy? I think it is totally wrong to keep Ethiopian dictatorship interests in the chaos in Somalia.
Q [xcess]: I Am Radio Daljir Buhodle Manager Hussein Kurdi, who has 20 years Experience of journalism. Welcome Ambassador John Yates
Q [Haadoow]: What is the best way that the Somali people can get a peace with help of USA and international community and to stop the killing of civilians?
Ambassador Yates: The very best tool we have at the present time is total commitment to the Djibouti peace agreement. With regard to your second point, obviously anybody who knows how to kill also knows how to stop killing.
Q [Chat Participant]: Dear Special envoy, it sounds cool to hear that you are taking this important step to discuss with Somali stakeholders about Somalia issues, which we appreciate very much.
To begin with, the USA assistance to the Somali population generally, and particularly to those very much in need of help, let me thank you in advance on their behalf since most of them can't be heard because they are trapped in between Warlords and Islamists that took them hostage from 1990 till now.
Thanks. Dr Faduma Shobley
Q [Yousef2]: Thank you Ambassador Yates for giving us this opportunity. Now that there is an agreement between the TFG and the opposition, do you believe that it will be possible to hold free and fair elections at the end of the TFG's term, considering that there is only one year remaining and a lot of work to be done?
Ambassador Yates: You're correct - there's a lot to do between now and the mandated transition period ending in 2009. We continue to push the transition agenda with the TFG and, along with the international community, will do everything we can to help achieve a peaceful transition. In my own opinion, one of the things that could really help the TFG in pursuing these transition goals would be for the talented, dedicated members of the diaspora would come home to Somalia and lend their assistance, too.
Q [adenali]: How can Somalia and Somalis as a nation win the hearts and minds of the American government and their leadership? All Somalia needs is investment called stabilization funds, i.e. something around 8 billion dollars to rehabilitate the country in terms of political, economic and social set up. I am sure there are no shortcuts. But you may give us a roadmap with benchmarks for us to meet at any given time in our ascendancy to our aspiration to become a stable and developed country who has its rightful place in the community of nations.
Ambassador Yates: No doubt good things can follow restoration of peace, stability, and good governance in Somalia. Let's start there.
Q [economist]: What is the exact point of view of the US towards Somalia? A new frontline of war on terror, or there is a serious efforts to secure a central government in Somalia after almost 2 decades of civil war?
Ambassador Yates: The United States has three fundamental policy objectives in Somalia and the Horn of Africa: to support the restoration of economic and political stability, to assure effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to people at risk, and to counter terrorism wherever it might exist.
Moderator: Read about the U.S. position on the agreement between the Somalia Government and Opposition at http://www.america.gov/st/texttrans-english/2008/June/20080610145023xjsnommis0.9504511.html.
Q [Buraleh]: Did your Excellency intend to meet the NSUM organisation formed by SSC in diaspora?
Ambassador Yates: I'm not familiar with the group you mention, but I appreciate knowing the views of all Somalis, wherever and whoever they are.
Q [Yousef2]: Thank you, Ambassador Yates, for giving us this opportunity to express our views on the Somali situation.
My first question is as follows:
A. Do you think that it will be possible to hold free and fair elections in Somalia at the end of the TFG's term, considering the huge amount of work that needs to be completed before that (such as the Federal Constitution, the forming of political parties, the security sector which has improved but is still unsatisfactory, and the myriads of other problems)?
B. Is there a plan B if conditions do not allow to hold elections and what would it be in your opinion? - Yousef I. Adan
Ambassador Yates: I believe I've answered your first question above. While we're still working on Plan A, it is conceivable that the interacting parties, specifically the TFG and ARS, could develop their own Plan B, which, if it seems feasible, I'm sure would garner international support. However, we still have 18 or so more months to work on the transition charted by the Transitional Federal Charter.
Q [Yousef2]: On the Djibouti agreement: Even though there was a cease fire agreement in Djibouti, the opposition is still fighting and on the attack. Why is that? Many people always believed and still believe that Sheikh Sharif, Sheikh Ahmed does not have enough leverage on the fighting forces and never had. Isn't this a proof of that? Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys always had the last word on important issues, but Sheikh Sharif was only a convenient cover-up. Yousef
Ambassador Yates: We regret very much the attitudes about continuing to fight and not give peace a chance, enunciated by Hassan Dahir Aweys and the al-Shabab, through their spokesman Muktar Robow "Abu Mansur." We call on all Somali stakeholders, whether party to the Agreement or not, to abide by its provisions and support implementation.
Q [Geeska Africa]: What is your Message, through Geeska-Afrika News Paper, to the Somaliland Population?
Ambassador Yates: We encourage the government of Somaliland, competing political parties, and the entire population to do their utmost to assure free and fair votes with full transparency in the upcoming elections, for which we are providing tangible support. Somaliland can provide an exemplary model in this regard for the entire Somali nation, which we hope can be emulated throughout southern Somalia.
Moderator: We appreciate your many questions and comments. The Ambassador will attempt to address as many of them as possible in the time we have.
Q [FarahJama]: Will United States support to bring Somalia the blue-hamlet troops if Somali government and Main opposition sign officially the agreement in Mecca? Some people feel it is hypocrisy of USA that all you’re is doing is Somalia Lip service.
Ambassador Yates: The United States, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is in fact leading the efforts for adoption of a peacekeeping resolution for Somalia. Ambassador Khalilizad made a clear and unequivocal statement in support of such a resolution at the July 23rd Security Council consultations in New York. We were pleased that delegations from both the TFG and ARS were in New York to help make the case for the deployment of an international peacekeeping force. Please note that I use the word "peacekeeping" and not "peacemaking" force. It is up to the Somali parties to help create the conditions that will permit such progress.
Q [FarahJama]: As an ambassador, when do you think you will move to Mogadishu as a ambassador of United states of America?
Ambassador Yates: The sooner the better.
Q [An Arctic Nomad]: Would you comment on what would it take for the U.S. to wholeheartedly support a peacekeeping force in Somalia in general, and the Mr. Khalilzad position at the Council's discussions in particular?
As you are well aware of, the Somali Conflict is one of the most difficult and tragic problems of our time. In view of that, actors of goodwill including the UN, US, EU, Djibuti Government, and others brokered a peace deal between the TFG and the ARS. I accept that the ARS was not unanimous on the agreement, but what was achieved is the best that can be expected since there is no reasonable accommodation that can satisfy Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys and Al-shabab.
On July 23 the Security Council had discussions about Somalia. The Somali delegation, the TFG and the ARS, and the Secretary General's Envoy, Ahmedou Ould-Abdalla, were clear about what Somalia needs: a UN sponsored peace keeping force as per the Djibouti Agreement. However, the U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad questioned whether the political process could move forward in the face of the deteriorating security and humanitarian situations. In my view, the said deterioration is deliberately being brought about by Al-Shabaab and the likes precisely to deter the Security Council from acting in support of the Djibouti Agreement. Assuming the Ambassador is not on Al-Shabaab's side, the deteriorating situation should cause the Security Council to act not deter from acting.
Ambassador Yates: Your analysis looks quite good. See my answer to a similar question above.
Q [xcess]: I am a former diplomat and one of those concerned what is happening in our country. We just formed a political party by the name Somali National Party (SNP) to affect the distractive policies being implemented this very moment. It's our unwavering conviction that by undertaking a different policy a successful conclusion could be reached to resolve the Somali conflict within a short period of time.
It is high time that a legitimate Somali government acceptable to all is formed as soon as possible.
A clan conference must be called, immediately run by Somalis and Somalis alone in Somalia.
Somalia is turned in to a de facto territory of Ethiopia.
It’s being shaped to the size that fits the neighboring countries.
It's a crime against Humanity what is happening in Somalia and a genocide of kind.
Your Excellency, we have interest in America, and so is America in Somalia. What is happening is neither yours or ours.
We are not terrorists, but if the current situation persists in the future there will be some. Help us, we can do the job
Thank you very much, Ibrahim Ali Musse, the chairman.
Q [From Adenali]: Dear Ambassador, the ongoing social, economic and political ills in Somalia are underpinned by the following cancerous problems that require most attention and deserve to be looked at and resolved before Somalia would be able to join back into the community of nations.
1. The collapse of Somalia's international relations system, i.e. self-serving embassies that have no defined national external policy to support...remaining only functions are renewal of Somalia passports and issuing new fake travel documents in addition to begging for scholarship to their own clan/sub-clan children, etc.
2. The seat of Somali capital, i.e. Mogadishu, in the hands of warlords and wrecked by clans claiming to the city as a property of their own tribe. This keeps making the restoration of Somali all the more difficult because there is no capital equal to all Somalis thus far....
3. Somalia disintegrated into a number of poorly defined tribal territories, i.e. Puntland, Somaliland, Jubaland, Rahaweynland, Marihanland, etc. that have no capacity to provide bare minimum services to their own constituencies with the exception of ego-boosting clan identity. The intention of the formation of this territories are not based on ideology other than clan supremacy...as long as some clans continue to claim lordship over others, the misunderstanding and conflict will continue.
4. Long held suspicions and conflict that fuel the continued insecurity and fighting among the various clans need to be discussed and resolved, i.e. the resolution of the Somali leadership conflict between Habargedir (Hawiye leadership) and Majerteen (Darood leadership) need to be resolved if a peaceful Somalia is ever to reconstitute again.
5. Uncompromising Diaspora support to their tribes should end in such a way that host countries in Europe and North America make an effort to teach the immigrant Somalis especially packaged lessons about civics and nationhood and about understanding democracy and government and governance and civility and moral lessons about corruption, nepotism, etc.
God Bless Somalia and the United States Government and its people. The United States Government's support to Somalia, particularly being the single largest contributor of aid assistance to Somalia, should not go unrecognised. Please help Somalia overcome the above difficulties and grateful Somalia will remain friend and ally to the US.
Q [FarahJama]: Given lack of substantial support toward nation-building of Somalia, America is far more focused on the so-called war on terrorism rather than pacification and rebuilding of Somalia. Isn't that true Mr. Ambassador?
Ambassador Yates: We are fully committed to implementation of the Djibouti peace agreement, Article 11 of which reads, "The Parties call on the international community to help provide the adequate resources for the implementation and follow-up of this Agreement. The Parties also consider it a priority to convene within the next six (6) months an international conference aimed at addressing Somalia's Reconstruction and Development." I personally hope there will be a concomitant support from the members of the Somali communities privileged to live abroad.
Q [Digil Mirifle Elders]: SOMALI AFRICAN MAAY POPULATION THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE FOR SOMALIA SOLUTION.
Website: http//www.Maayland.com
July 27, 2008
Subject: Solution for Somalia’s prolonged War.
Dear Ambassador; On behalf of the Somali African Maay Maay population, We the Somali Digil & Mirifle Community Elders, Somali Bantu, Mashunguli, Banadiri, Bajuni, Arabs and Asharaaf let us express our thanks to you and to your government for your efforts and continued attempts to solve Somalia problems whenever it emerges as history showed in several occasions such as the Operation Restore Hope that saved the lives of hundreds of thousands if not millions of starving to death Somalis generally, and particularly those in the Southern Regions that were victimised and currently are continuing to be victimised by the same Warlords and their Militiamen from the Central and North Eastern Regions of Somalia that somehow together succeeded to fail the Goodwill intention of the Mission after waging urban wars against those allied soldiers that were extending humanitarian hand and assistances to the most needy in Somalia.
Understanding the root cause and motivation of the Somalia War is a must for all those trying to find a lasting solution for this Issue, which has caused devastating consequences of mass killings, looting, rape, genital mutilation, ethnic cleansing and slow genocide that is being conducted under the eyewitness of the International Communities conducted by notorious Warlords and their Militias that constantly change names and shirts to stay alive with their cruel actions and remain unpunished but rewarded and financed because of their status.
No matter what name or Status the International Community recognizes for them such as Transitional Government, transitional parliament, Islamic Courts, Shabab or resistance they are the same and remain so as Somali Warlords and their Ruth inhumane militia that have intentionally destroyed that country, cleansed slowly its real and peaceful population destroyed totally the Environment and the ecological system of Somalia by burning secularly planted mango trees, and all other meaningful for the environment trees transforming them into charcoal and consequently exporting them to several Arab and Golf States. Plus they have conducted and still conducting the export of all Somali Wildlife to Arab Countries and to some Far East Asia States.
We honestly believe that a proper approach and accurate diagnostics must proceed before one starts to search for a solution for Somalia in order to land onto a clear roadmap that will lead to a solidly lasting solution, which was missed several occasions and trials, hoping that this time errors of that extent or nature must be avoided.
In order to solve Somalia problems and stop the continuation of the ongoing slow genocide via ethnic cleansing, and prevent Somalia to become a safe haven for all International Criminals led by the current terra Organizations, we firmly propose the following actions to be considered and taken ASAP:
1) The USA has to take leading role in all activities directed to restore Law and order in Somalia in order to save the remaining and starving unarmed Somali population generally, and particularly those in the Southern Regions from Afgoi to the Kenyan border before it is too late.
2) USA as the sole Super Power in this World must take International and moral responsibility to forward to the UN Security Council a proposal regarding a resolution related “To the armed intervention in Somalia done by the so-called Willing Countries or States with the UN mandate to make peace through general and forced disarmament of all Somali Militias as whole without distinctions.”
3) After disarmament, Somalia must be put under a mandatory UN trusteeship for a period not less than 25 years renewable, and from there start the reconstruction process of this totally ruined country socially first and economically followed.
4) USA has to request the UN Security Council to adopt a Resolution aimed to Recover the looted Somalia Wealth by freezing all Assets and accounts owned by Somalis and deposited in all International Banks and trust funds wherever they are by doing this it will minimize the need for financial assistance during the reconstruction period since there are billions of looted Somali National DGP and National Wealth by Warlords and their partners in Business around the Globe.
5) For the purpose of accountability the USA has the moral obligation to request The UN security Council to adopt a Resolution aimed to impose travel, economical and personal sanctions against all those that have directly or indirectly participated in all War Crime activities, and crimes against humanity committed in Somalia from 1990 till now so to charge all those responsible and make justice happen for the Millions suffering and those that are not lucky enough to see this happen because they are already dead. Hoping that our proposal should be considered by all interested parties, please accept our thanks in advance for you precious time and consideration in this very sensitive matter.
FROM THE DESK OF THE SOMALI MAAY ELDERS.
Q [Chat Participant]: I am Somalian, my family is there in Somalia. I deeply feel bad about the news coming from Somalia. What is the worst thing of all is the USA involving this as back end. Every Somalian feels Ethiopia is the enemy of each and every Somalian who is fighting, now only you can see but I am sure others will join later. It is really great to make you understand the current mission of USA towards Somalia is totally corrupted and no way to success.
We can't accept you to kill us with one hand and mind and say to help us one hand with no mind.
We Somalians can feel every plot more then your billions spent on agencies, but you think we are nomads and can understand nothing.
Please respect our value and the peoples wish, keep in account that Somalia is an independent country and has its own dignity and integrity. Thank you.
Ambassador Yates: I thank all participants for your questions. I regret that time did not permit answering each and every one, but we did as many as we could in the time allotted. I repeat my appeal to all Somalis to support the efforts of their leaders who courageously have chosen to try to give peace a chance through the Djibouti peace agreement.
Moderator: We wish to thank Ambassador John Yates for joining us today. The webchat is now closed. We hope you will understand that there were many questions coming in. A full transcript of today's webchat will be published (usually within one business day) to our Ask America homepage.
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