MOZAMBIQUE'S EVALUATION OF THE EAST AFRICA SOUTH

UNCLAS MAPUTO 001319 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PREL EWWT MZ SUBJECT: MOZAMBIQUE'S EVALUATION OF THE EAST AFRICA SOUTH WEST INDIAN OCEAN MARITIME SECURITY CONFERENCE (EASWIO) REF: STATE 145423 Summary: (U) Mozambique sent three military and two civilian officials to the EASWIO conference in Mombasa, Kenya on September 4-7, 2007. The Mozambican officials found the EASWIO beneficial and want to be considered as a candidate for hosting the next conference. Information below is keyed to reftel queries. End Summary. -------------- Beneficial Aspects of the EASWIO -------------- ¶1. The Mozambican delegates found the exchange of information between their African counterparts at the conference beneficial. The exchange of information will aid them in implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). They found particularly useful the presentations by CJT-HOA on current operations in the Horn of Africa, by the Maritime Security Center of Excellence, and by the Navy War College on countering terrorism. The visit to the Port of Mombasa was also a highlight of the conference for the Mozambican delegates. -------------- Least Beneficial Aspects of the EASWIO -------------- ¶2. The delegates indicated that they needed more time to explain their country's maritime security posture, and they would have appreciated a more structured briefing template in advance to help prepare their presentations. The Mozambican Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) also commented that the conference was more of a working group and that his presence may not have been necessary. -------------- -------------- Priorities for Improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) -------------- -------------- ¶3. The delegates noted that greater South African participation is needed to ensure the successful implementation of any MDA programs. Further, they indicated that it would be necessary to have more maritime security platforms (boats/planes),cooperative training on Maritime Security and basic seamanship, and the development of a maritime center of excellence. The Government of Mozambique,s expressed support for MDA has not translated in to GRM increasing funding for regional navies. -------------- Mozambique,s Top Accomplishments -------------- ¶4. The Mozambican delegates believe Mozambique has illustrated an increased awareness of the problems surrounding MDA and have made progress in MDA, since the initial EASWIO event in Madagascar in 2006. In addition, the private port operators in Mozambique have made definite steps in increasing compliance with the ISPS code. -------------- Looking Ahead -------------- ¶5. Mozambique would prefer that the next EASWIO conference be another working group, instead of a ministerial, and the GRM has expressed interest in hosting the event. They are interested in planning the next steps in maritime security with the U.S. Navy, local Maritime Administrations/SADC to increase compliance/awareness in security issues and the implementation of the ISPS Code. Chapman