USINFO Webchat transcript, May 23
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger. (File photo © AP Images) |
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat transcript
Ask the Ambassador: U.S.-Somalia Relations with Ambassador to Kenya
Guest: Michael Ranneberger
Date: May 23, 2007
Time: 8 a.m. EDT (3 p.m. Nairobi)
IIP Moderator: Welcome to today's webchat on U.S.-Somalia relations. We look forward to hearing from you. The live webchat will begin at 12:00 GMT.
Please note: We do see your questions and comments coming in, thank you. However, you will not see anything appear on this screen until the live event begins at the top of the hour.
IIP Moderator: Good day/afternoon to all of our participants. The Ambassador is on his way to join us, we will begin the webchat in just a few minutes. We do see your questions coming in, thank you for your interest.
We invite you to visit the U.S. "Virtual Presence Post" for Somalia.
Ambassador Ranneberger: Good afternoon. This is Ambassador Michael Ranneberger. I'm delighted to be with you to discuss U.S. policy on Somalia.
Question [Dom]: Ever since the last attack by US to Somalia near Kenyan Border, which killed more than 20 innocent civilians. No word of apology has been spelled out yet. Was that not a mistake?
Answer [Ambassador Ranneberger]: I appreciate your question, because there has been a lot of rumors and misinformation, and I am happy to clarify what happened. No innocent civilians have been killed in U.S. attacks. U.S. efforts are solely directly against known terrorists.
Q [Richard M. Kavuma-Uganda]: The US has been backing Ethiopian operations in Somalia: But do you see yourselves as part of the solution in the Horn of Africa?
Secondly, the United States is one of the countries that committed themselves to support Amisom: How much money is the US putting in? And when is the money actually getting to the ground? This is important because we are getting reports that the mission has no money.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The Ethiopians went in to Somalia to oust the Islamic Courts because it was in the Ethiopians' interest to do so. Since the outset of the current crisis, we have emphasized U.S. support to bring security and stability to Somalia. In order to do that, we are supporting efforts to achieve inclusive national reconciliation, we are supporting the sending of Amisom forces, and we are providing humanitarian and development assistance. The U.S. has supported the deployment of Ugandan forces and we have pledged additional assistance for deployment of other Amisom forces. President Bush has requested from Congress an additional $60 million in assistance for Somalia.
Q [amakhiri]: Good Morning Moderator and discussants, clearly, the US is now on the right side of Somalia's political issues. Would the US Government be willing to use its eminence prestige with Arab, Asian and EU Governments and institutions to assist the TFG marshal the resources that are desperately needed for institution-building in Somalia. Regards, -Ali
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Excellent point. The U.S. is urging Arab, Asian, and EU governments to provide assistance for the TFG, for Amisom, and for development of Somalia. The amount of assistance being provided is not yet sufficient, but we are continuing to press others to do more. The U.S. is one of the leading donor governments, and has for many years been the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to Somalia.
IIP Moderator: The Somalia Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) program, sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing distance-learning radio classes for up to 400,000 Somali schoolchildren are receiving daily lessons in reading, math and life skills.
Read about the program at USINFO.
Read about USAID's strategy in Somalia at http://www.usaid.gov/locations/sub-saharan_africa/countries/somalia/.
Q [Abdalla]: I was 1st year medical student when the civil war occurred in Somalia (31st December 1990). I expected once Siad Bare’s regime leaves the capital the Somali rebels to replace with it a more peaceful, democratic and fairer government. In any way there was hope but this hope was dashed once Ali Mahdi Mohamed (Warlord criminal) and Aidid (Warlord criminal) fought a bitter war in the capital. This war was the reason the famine occurred and it forced me to take a boat to Kenya where I lived in refugee camps for 18 months. I was one of the lucky ones as I had family members in Australia and was able to migrate to Australia where I re-established my life getting education and occupation of my choice.
The Somali people were under the mercy of the warlords for 16 years. In 2000 the Somali people were able to say enough is enough and they established a government free from the warlords. The international community instead of forcing the warlords to accept the government it sided with the warlords and allowed the government to be dismantled and Ethiopia succeeded in establishing a client government led by warlords. Somali people again as usual and eager to have law and order they accepted the TFG with it is short comings and the past/present records of its members. The Warlords instead of working for their people they become dysfunctional and started harming the Somali people. Fortunately, in June 2006 the Somali people plus Islamic courts succeeded in getting rid the south-central part from the warlords. The only city they remained was in baidabo with the protection of their Ethiopian master. The international community blatantly ignored the presence of Ethiopian soldiers in a sovereign country. During the reign of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) the Somali people were able to forget the clan mentality and corrupt clan elders. For the first time the minority and un-armed Somali communities felt that they are part of the Somali society. They had a voice thanks to Sheikh Sharif Ahmed and Sheikh Dahir aways who was able to control former militias.
Also, we Somalis in the Diaspora were able to invest in the country in my case I built a house for my mum and planned to visit her in January 2007. Unfortunately, the American justice is with us and our old enemy plus the warlord government is back to Mogadishu. America rewarded the warlords and punished the ICU who brought peace and tranquility to their people. The courts opened and renovated the airport, the Mogadishu port and give back the properties to their original owners. Unlike the TFG that asks foreign hand out each time they have to do a job. The courts were self reliant and Somalis all walk of life were willing to help them as they knew the courts will do the job as intended and the money won’t be [extorted].
All of these good things are destroyed now and we are back to 1991.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: I recognize that the Islamic Courts did manage to establish a degree of order in Mogadishu. However, the Islamic Courts never had broad support among the Somali people and, importantly, the Islamic Courts were moving in a very radical direction, which would not have been to the benefit of the Somali people. The Transitional Federal Institutions were developed, with the assistance of Kenya, as the legitimate representatives of the Somali people. With the ousting of the Courts, the TFG now has an opportunity to establish its credibility in order to become an effective, inclusive government. Our objective is to support this process.
I want to emphasize our commitment to an inclusive process that truly bring together all Somalis who reject violence and extremism. This is the only way forward for Somalis to achieve lasting stability and security. I believe that the Somali people are tired of the chaos and conflict that has plagued their country and want to participate in an inclusive political process. This will, in turn, lead to a smooth transition to an elected government in 2009.
Q [Abraham_Lincoln]: I understand that, in Somalia, after a long conflict among clans and warlords, the CIC (the radical Council of Islamic Courts) was routed by the Transitional Federal Government backed by the United Nations, the European Union and the United States. Under the circumstances, I think that the next important step would be to establish a viable democratic governance in Somalia so that the stability and security can be consolidated there. Thus, could you advise as to the coming process and procedures of transforming the Transitional Federal Government into a democratic government? Are there social and economic foundations upon which a democracy can be formed in Somalia? How the hostilities among clans are expected to be mitigated and overcome under democracy? I would appreciate it very much if you would kindly provide your perspective.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The U.S. is working to support stability and security in Somalia. We are doing this by helping the TFG to establish its credibility as an effective transitional government. We are supporting inclusive dialogue and the National Reconciliation Congress. We believe that the agenda for the Congress should be greater power-sharing and development of a roadmap for the transition to a democratically-elected government in 2009.
Chat Participant: Dear sir, "John M. Yates as Special Envoy for Somalia." Please explain job for Special Envoy for Somalia.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Ambassador John Yates has been named as the U.S. Special Envoy for Somalia. His appointment reflects the strong U.S. commitment to helping Somalis achieve stability and security. Ambassador Yates will lead U.S. efforts, including intensifying coordination with other countries in this region and elsewhere. His appointment reflects U.S. determination to do everything possible to ensure that Somalia moves towards a successful democratic transition in 2009.
Q [Yussuf2]: Thanks Ambassador for this golden opportunity. Ambassador, I would like to forward my sincere comment on this regard which touches both sides in my life. Mr. Ambassador, communication is the key of the success and failure of US mission in Somalia and we have to be carefully the steps we are taking.
I am a Somali American, now working and living Dubai, UAE, I used to live in Kenya 1992-1996 as refugee, hopeless, helpless just run away for his life from Somalia’s senseless conflict. I was so lucky to go US, my classmates; friends have no life, no future and hope we have to save those people. America should proud of its generosity. Majority of Somalians will never forget America, and will always consider as friend. But US government and NGO have to take responsibility to help Somalian people not forget them.
America should improve its image in the eyes of Somalians. We have to create healthy environment with help of Somali American involvement through humanitarian system, supporting Somalia Americans NGO. This could have significant [impact] in eyes of Somalian. Ex: SSDA http://www.sshda.org. This organization has allowed more than 10,000 students to go back and to continue their primary education, supported mainly of Somalia Americans.
For example: The area where SSDH operates has no good hospitals, no clean water, no education higher than high school, no jobs and etc. It would be a good idea to build a small hospital by calling American Hospital managed by American, help them to drink clean water, by involving American people with collaboration of Somali American. Wining heart and mind is only way to succeed in this complex issue and so on. Let the real Somalians see that America helping them while everyone else closed their eyes. We should take opportunity very serious and help them to rebuild Somalia with no condition but just make sure funds goes to the right place by holding them accountable for responsible person.
USIAD can play important roll to coordinate all of these projects and I will be the first person to volunteer this programs if required.
There are many injured or sick Somalian mothers and children that you can find Somalian websites helping those few people and sending them American hospitals in Gulf, elevate huge problem from Somalian people. Simple things Mr. Ambassador you do could have a major change by winning heart and mind of Somalian. America government should show Somalians mercy and endless help.
I personally thank you Ambassador. For given me this opportunity to help Somalia as well USA. Yussuf Mohamoud
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Thank you for your comments. The U.S. has for many years been the largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Somalia. We will very soon provide about $10 million in development assistance for Somalia, focused particularly on social services. We also plan to provide some assistance for professionalization of security forces. We are also providing assistance for the deployment of Amisom forces. President Bush has asked Congress for another $60 million in assistance for Somalia. All of this demonstrates the tremendous commitment of the U.S. to helping Somalia.
Q [prince2]: Is there any progress the American has made so far in the Somali crisis...seeming the situation there just like the Iraqi affair is progressively getting out of hand....
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Somalia faces huge challenges, but I am optimistic that the situation is moving in the right direction. Remember that it has only been 4 months since the ousting of the Islamic Courts!
So far, we are helping the TFG to strengthen itself, we are providing a lot of humanitarian and development assistance, and we have helped Amisom deploy. The challenge is to make the TFG more inclusive through the National Reconciliation Congress, and we are supporting that process. There are radical elements of the Islamic Courts and other terrorists (including Al Qaeda) who seek to disrupt this process. We believe that the national reconciliation process will marginalize these "spoilers" and make it impossible for them to disrupt the Somali political process. Our efforts are focused on supporting the reconciliation process to bring about an inclusive political process and to develop a roadmap for a successful democratic transition in 2009.
I believe that the Somali people are truly tired of the many years of chaos and conflict, and are willing to work together. This will not be an easy process, but there is more reason to be hopeful about Somalia than ever before.
Q [Kuba]: What are the US priorities for Somalia? Also, does US believes Al Qaida operates from Somalia?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: U.S. priorities for Somalia are to help bring about security and stability. Specifically, we are supporting the TFG, supporting an inclusive national reconciliation process, providing humanitarian and development assistance, and supporting deployment of Amisom. Al Qaida has for many years been taking advantage of Somalia's status as a failed state, both as a safe haven and base of operations. An inclusive national reconciliation process will marginalize radicals and terrorists, who do not have the support of the Somali people.
Q [Marek]: Looking to the future of Somalia and Africa overall, what can AGOA trade pact do to improve situation in Somalia and other most impoverished nations?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: AGOA has had a major impact in supporting development of African economies. It is too early to talk about AGOA and Somalia. First, Somalia must establish stability, and that must be the focus of all efforts. Once this has been achieved and once Somalia's economy has begun to function normally, then Somalia could be considered for AGOA. I want to emphasize that the U.S. will strongly support efforts to achieve stability, security, and prosperity in Somalia.
Moderator: We are still accepting your questions until the top of the hour.
Q [Butags]: Ambassador, Uganda is the only African country that has readily provided troops for peace keeping mission under the aegis of Amison. Last week, five of the soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb explosion and scores injured.
- Do you see any success of the AU-driven mission in Somalia, where US failed in the early 1990s?
- If Burundi, Nigeria and other countries that promised troops fail to deliver yet the interim period is running out in a couple months, would you support the idea that Uganda withdraws its forces since they can't go it alone?
- How can US use its economic and political leverage to provide impetus for a speady troop contribution and why can't UN take over the entire peace keeping mission?
Tabu Butagira - Uganda.
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The U.S. greatly appreciates the willingness of Uganda to send troops for the Amisom force in Somalia. The U.S. is urging other African countries to contribute troops and we are supporting deployment of Amisom forces. We believe that the Amisom deployment will be successful. Deployment of Amisom is part of a broader effort to support the TFG and to bring stability and security to Somalia.
The situation today is much different from what it was in the early 1990s. The Somali people have seen almost two decades of chaos and conflict. I believe that the Somali people want to see lasting peace and that they will be willing to work together in order to achieve that. This will not be an easy process. There are radicals and terrorists who want to disrupt this process. We believe that the national reconciliation process will be successful and that this will marginalize these "spoilers" and contribute to stability.
In the meantime, the Amisom deployment is extremely important. The deployment by Ugandan forces is in the interest of Uganda, Somalia, and stability throughout the Horn of Africa.
Q [Richard M. Kavuma –Uganda]: Ambassador, thank you very much for answering my earlier question. May I please get a clarification: to what tune has the US supported the presence of our troops in Somalia? Also, how soon can we expect President Bush's request to be approved or rejected?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: The U.S. has provided at least $10 million to support Amisom deployment. There is bipartisan support for helping to achieve stability and security in Somalia. I therefore believe that the Congress will approve President Bush's request.
Q [Butags]: There are allegations that US used its clout to push Uganda in to the Somalia and her troops are now under-funded and dying in Iraq-style street explosions, did US intently prompt Uganda to join the Somalia debacle alongside Ethiopia?
A [Ambassador Ranneberger]: Uganda made a decision in its own interest to deploy forces to Somalia. I believe that the Ugandan government did this because it realizes the importance for the entire region of enhancing stability and security in Somalia. The U.S. provided support for the deployment. Ugandan forces are well-equipped and are capably carrying out operations in Somalia. I strongly believe that the Ugandan forces are contributing to broader efforts to support the TFG and to bring about stability and security. The Amisom deployment is only intended to support TFG institutions and stability while the inclusive national reconciliation process is carried out. That process will also pave the way for a smooth democratic transition in 2009.
Ambassador Ranneberger: I want to thank all of you for submitting thought-provoking questions. I look forward to doing this again in the near future.
IIP Moderator: We wish to thank Ambassador Michael Ranneberger for joining us today. The webchat is now closed. Please visit our USINFO Webchat Station homepage for more information on upcoming events.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
Source: USINFO, May 23, 2007