MOZAMBIQUE-ZIMBABWE JOINT DEFENSE AND SECURITY

UNCLAS MAPUTO 000632 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS AF/S FOR HTREGER NSC FOR CCOURVILLE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL ZI MZ SUBJECT: MOZAMBIQUE-ZIMBABWE JOINT DEFENSE AND SECURITY COMMISSION MEET IN MAPUTO; CROSS-BORDER ISSUES DISCUSSED Sensitive But Unclassified -- Handle Accordingly. ¶1. (U) The Mozambique-Zimbabwe Joint Defense and Security Commission met on May 31 and June 1 in Maputo to discuss defense and security concerns currently facing the two neighboring countries. The meeting, which brought together senior-level officials from both governments, covered a range of topics including cross-border crime, trafficking of weapons and drugs, HIV/AIDS, natural disasters, and the movement of people and goods. Both the Zimbabwean Minister of Defense, Sydney Sekeramayi and Mozambican Minister of Defense, Tobias Dai were in attendance. ¶2. (U) Speaking to reporters on June 1, Minister Dai stated that both governments were concerned with reinforcing their shared border, with a specific focus on the free movement of people and goods. According to local press reports, both governments have agreed to create more border posts along the Mozambique-Zimbabwe border to better control such movement. Post understands that discussions on the demarcation of the shared border, as well as elimination of tourist visas, also took place during the two-day session. ¶3. (SBU) During a televised interview, Minister Sekeramayi also expressed the need to improve communications and cooperation between the Mozambican and Zimbabwean militaries as a means of increasing control of cross-border traffic. (Note: During Mozambique's civil war, a large contingent of Zimbabwean soldiers was deployed along the Beira Corridor and joint air force operations were conducted against RENAMO bases in Sofala, Manica and Zambezia provinces. Joint military cooperation since the end of the civil war in 1992 has declined significantly. In the past two years there have been an increased number of reports in the local press of abuse against civilians by military and public security organs on both sides of the border. End Note.) ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Since the onset of the crisis in Zimbabwe, Mozambique has experienced an influx of Zimbabwean refugees entering the country, many of whom cross the border illegally. The movement of contraband between the two neighboring countries has also reportedly increased due to the economic and political upheaval in Zimbabwe. As the Guebuza administration works to strengthen its ability to patrol its lengthy borders and coastline it is only natural that the GRM would look to Zimbabwe for cooperation and support, considering the countries' close economic ties and shared political struggles. La Lime