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.
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