Slow Progress on Port Security; Limited Resources

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANTANANARIVO 000206

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

PARIS FOR D'ELIA
DEPT FOR AF/E MBEYZEROV
DEPT FOR EB/TRA/OTP DHAYWOOD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT ECON PTER PREL MA
SUBJECT: Slow Progress on Port Security; Limited Resources

REF: Addis 413


1. Summary: After two productive visits to Madagascar by
the United States Coast Guard International Port Liaison in
2005, the latest Port Security Advisory updated Madagascar's
status to acknowledge steps taken at the main port,
Tamatave. Minor international ports at Diego Suarez,
Majunga, Tulear, and Fort Dauphin remain on the list for
enhanced scrutiny given inadequate security measures. The
Ministry of Transportation seeks to set up port authorities
at these lesser sites, and in the process of offering
concessions insist on security upgrades. The French
Development Agency will finance improvements at Diego Suarez
(next to a French naval base),and the World Bank has
programs in port infrastructure, but resources are limited.
A GOM conference is planned in late March to address both
the creation of new port authorities and the security needs
of Madagascar's ports. End Summary.

Improved Port Security Advisory (PSA) Status
--------------

2. (U) The January 24 U.S. Coast Guard PSA 1-06 maintained
Madagascar on the list of countries subject to "increased
port state control targeting," but excepted the main port of
Tamatave (Toamasina). Post communicated the PSA to the
Ministry of Transportation and to the port authorities at
Tamatave to commend their achievements and call for further
efforts to enhance security. U.S. Coast Guard visits and
GOM efforts to apply the International Ship and Port
Facility Security (ISPS) Code have attracted significant
media attention and the support of private sector leaders.

Continued Engagement on Port Security Needed
--------------


3. (SBU) Tamatave Port has the resources to improve
security because it is autonomous and has sufficient
revenues; its managers were motivated by a desire to improve
efficiency. But only U.S. Coast Guard visits provided
adequate advice and oversight for improvements to happen
quickly. Similar visits in 2005 to Majunga and Diego Suarez
have succeeded in raising the profile of the port security
issue in Madagascar. Progress at minor ports is slower due
to lack of resources and poor organization, but the
political will exists.


4. (SBU) Other than French support for the Diego Suarez
port (neighbor to the French naval base),and potential
World Bank infrastructure financing, resources for any port
upgrades are limited. The Ministry of Transport, building
on the success of the port authority concession at Tamatave,
seeks to establish autonomous ports at Diego Suarez,
Majunga, Tulear, and Fort Dauphin by the end of 2007. Until
then, given acute GOM budget shortfalls, security
improvements must be financed by donors.


5. (U) The presence of major international operators like
Maersk, MSC, and Philippine ICTSI in Tamatave bring
technology and a sense of urgency to the port security issue
there. Tamatave Port Director General Pierrot Botozaza is a
seasoned professional with a sound understanding of the
links between commerce, economy, and security. In 2005 he
embarked on an ambitious plan to expand and secure the
entire Tamatave facility - and earned the admiration of the
USCG during their October, 2005 visit.

Port Security Conference
--------------


6. (SBU) Maritime and River Port Agency (APMF) Director
General Jerome Sambalis told EconOff he was organizing a
national conference for policymakers and operators at the
end of March to take stock of existing security measures and
create a plan for next steps. DG Sambalis is actively
seeking funding and international participation to make the
event a reality. African Union (reftel) or U.S. Coast Guard
participation would be invaluable.


7. (SBU) Comment: Madagascar's Tamatave Port is a case
study in the benefits of privatization and security. The
port handles about 80 percent of Madagascar's international
cargo, including over 90 percent of container traffic. Thus
the improvements and PSA status change have a major impact
on international commerce. However, Madagascar's 5,000 km
coastline remains largely unmonitored and several smaller

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ports have inadequate security. Madagascar's borders
overall remain porous until continued engagement and
increased resources address remaining weaknesses. End
Comment.

MCGEE