TANZANIA: CT PROGRAMS BY PARTNER NATIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L DAR ES SALAAM 001936 SIPDIS CJTF- HOA/J3 PRIORITY SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E BYODER AND S/CT FOR BPHIPPS ALSO FOR AF/RSA MBITTRICK E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/14/2011 TAGS: PTER PREL XW YM ASEC TZ SUBJECT: TANZANIA: CT PROGRAMS BY PARTNER NATIONS REF: STATE 186255 Classified By: D. Purnell Delly, Deputy Chief of Mission, for reason 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY. To date, there have been only limited activities on counterterrorism (CT) and land/maritime border control by USG partner nations in Tanzania. In 2005/06, the British have sponsored two training programs in Tanzania to build capacity at Tanzania's international airports and to enhance basic police skills. The Russians also funded a small training course for the police. Canada, France, and other European Union countries have emphasized that they are not investing in the CT arena primarily because they view Tanzania as posing a relatively low threat to the international community. While assistance from partner countries may be limited, the Government of Tanzania (GOT) has shown marked willingness to participate in CT and border control programs, and is spearheading an initiative to establish its own CT Center. END SUMMARY. U.K. -------------- ¶2. (C) According to Rob Andrews, the U.K.'s regional counterterrorism advisor for East Africa, the British conducted a "manpad" course at the Dar es Salaam International Airport in 2005, training police and other airport staff on the threat of surface to air missiles and strengthening overall security at the airport. In February 2006, the U.K. conducted a training course with the police on basic crime scene management, with specific reference to terrorist crime scenes. In 2007, the British plan to sponsor four Scotland Yard officers to provide forensic intelligence training to Tanzania's police force, according to Andrews. Russia: -------------- ¶3. (SBU) In November 2006, the Russian Ambassador, Leonid Safonov, reported at the Counterterrorism Assistance Group (CTAG) meeting that Russia had provided a training course for Tanzanian police officers in Russia, ensuring specific focus on counterterrorism activities. Canada, EU, and Nordic Countries: No Activities -------------- -- ¶4. (SBU) Political Counselors at the Canadian High Commission, the European Commission, and the Norwegian and Swedish Embassies, confirmed that they were not funding any CT related or land/maritime border control programs. Jennifer Wood, Political Counselor at the Canadian High Commission, explained that Canada had limited resources for CT training internationally and that Tanzania did not register a high enough threat level relative to other countries in Africa and elsewhere for the Canadian government to provide funding. Comment: -------------- ¶5. (C) The Government of Tanzania (GOT) has embarked on a serious effort to establish its own CT Center. On December 4, the Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Program launched a three week workshop in Dar es Salaam to facilitate a comprehensive discussion with Tanzanian authorities on how to set-up and equip such a unit. There was full engagement from the GOT, with participants ranging from the police and military, to immigration and intelligence, to customs and banking. According to ATA trainers, who have hosted similar workshops in Senegal, Kenya, and Chad, Tanzanian officials have clearly "taken ownership" and have demonstrated that they are ready and willing to embark on this endeavor. "The Tanzanians have recognized the value of a CT capability not only to address CT objectives but other national objectives as well such as, combating crime and illegal immigration," an ATA course instructor explained. On the ground, Post is coordinating closely with the U.K. in the spirit of G-8 cooperation on CT. The British High Commission not only expressed willingness to help nurture this GOT initiative for a CT Center, but developed and presented a session at the ATA workshop on the importance of creating a comprehensive CT strategy. END COMMENT. RETZER