Cablegate: Comoran President Sambi, "I Will End Anjouan Crisis Or

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O 150905Z OCT 07
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ADDIS ABABA FOR USAU - AMBASSADOR COURVILLE
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E.O. 12958: N/A
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SUBJECT: COMORAN PRESIDENT SAMBI, "I WILL END ANJOUAN CRISIS OR
RESIGN"

REF: A) Neubert/USAU Addis Ababa Email 10/12/07

B) ANTAN 1051

1. (U) This message includes an Action Request, see para 5.

2. (SBU) Celebrating the end of Ramadan October 13, Union of the
Comoros President Ahmed Sambi made a public declaration that he
would resolve the ongoing Anjouan crisis or resign. Reflecting on
public opinion that he had accomplished little since his
inauguration in May, 2006, Sambi acknowledged he was disappointed
with his performance. He claimed progress on obtaining debt
forgiveness for the impoverished Comoros, noting he convinced French
President Sarkozy to seek relief and was pushing for the same with
the United States (REF B).

3. (SBU) President Sambi welcomed the African Union (AU) decision to
apply sanctions to Anjouan in an attempt to force Colonel Mohamed
Bacar from power. He added that if this strategy is not successful
in the near future, he will send the Union Army of National
Development to Anjouan. Post is aware that Sambi recently received
three zodiac boats from Morocco for this purpose. There are also
rumors in Moroni that a "fishing vessel donated by Iran" would soon
arrive, which could potentially be used to shuttle troops to
Anjouan. Unconfirmed reports indicate "containers filled with
weapons" have been unloaded at the Presidential Palace in Moroni
(Note: Most likely AK-47s. End Note).

4. (SBU) In Anjouan, Colonel Bacar remains defiant, insisting on
inter-Comoran negotiations. He publicly criticized the AU for its
decision to apply sanctions. Civil society contacts in Anjouan
report no evidence or rumor that Bacar is planning to concede to AU
or Union Government pressure. Contacts also report Bacar has taken
delivery of containers of weapons. Post has no information on the
origin of the weapons or the country from which they were shipped.
(Note: Also probably AK-47s. End Note).

5. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Post asks the Department Spokesman to
publicly commend the AU decision to apply sanctions on Anjouan to
peacefully resolve the crisis. The Statement should also reiterate
the United States' support for the democratically-elected President
of the Union of the Comoros, Ahmed Sambi. President Sambi
personally asked the Ambassador for such a public statement October
10. END ACTION REQUEST.

NEUBERT

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