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.

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Beneficial Aspects of the EASWIO
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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.

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Least Beneficial Aspects of the EASWIO
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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.

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Priorities for Improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
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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.

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Mozambique,s Top Accomplishments
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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.

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Looking Ahead
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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