C O N F I D E N T I A L GABORONE 000880

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/24/2015
TAGS: PREL US BC SADC
SUBJECT: TRADE, NOT AU/SADC BRIGADES, TO BE MOGAE'S
PRIORITY AS FUTURE SADC CHAIR


Classified By: CDA: Lois Aroian for reasons 1.5 (b) (d)


1. (U) ACSS Director General Carlton Fulford (ret), in
Gaborone for the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS)
Senor Leader Seminar, called on President Mogae June 18,
accompanied by Charge. Gen. Fulford thanked Botswana for
co-hosting the seminar. Substantive discussion centered on
military issues and HIV/AIDS programs. President Mogae said
the Seminar would be useful for Africans, who should be able
to support themselves rather than rely on others.


2. (U) Gen. Fulford noted that the French-led exercise that
was underway in Maun with SADC countries would help with
formation of a Southern African Brigade, one of the African
Union standby brigades. General Fulford asked if Mogae would
make these brigades a priority once Botswana took over the
SADC chairmanship


3. (C) President Mogae thanked the U.S. for its idea to
have Africa form such brigades but said this would not be a
priority for him when he takes over as SADC chair later this
year. This, said Mogae, is because SADC has yet to implement
the many agreements it has signed in the past. He emphasized
inaction on the SADC Free Trade Agreement in particular.
Mogae observed that most of the SADC protocols and
agreements, in fact, were moribund. Mogae viewed the brigade
as an AU, not a SADC, project. He promised, however, to
support it, especially since Botswana expects to host the
brigade. Gen. Fulford expressed the hope that Botswana
soldiers would lead the brigade as well, and President Mogae
agreed.


4. (C) Comment: President Mogae's comments underscore the
current SADC state of inaction and the opportunity for the
USG to encourage him in redynamizing SADC once he takes over
as chair. This will not be easy for Mogae, however, because
both the Executive Secretary and Deputy Secretary of SADC are
slated for replacement this year,and SADC has advertised many
vacancies for new positions. As ExecSec Ramsamy has told
diplomats on a number of occasions, SADC will be reorganizing
for the foreseeable future.
AROIAN


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