A/S FRAZER'S MEETING WITH PRESIDENT ARMANDO

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 DAR ES SALAAM 000370 SIPDIS DEPT AF/S FOR MJWILLS; ALSO AF/E FOR SHAMILTON, JLIDDLE AF/RSA FOR LMAZEL ADDIS ABABA FOR AU MISSION LONDON, PARIS, LISBON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/18/2018 TAGS: PREL KDEM ECON PGOV MZ TZ SUBJECT: A/S FRAZER'S MEETING WITH PRESIDENT ARMANDO GUEBUZA OF MOZAMBIQUE Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, T. Mushingi for reasons 1.4 (b,d). SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) During the Leon H. Sullivan Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, met with President Armando Guebuza on June 3 to discuss the MCC compact, the effect of rising oil and food prices on Mozambique's economy, and how the Government of Mozambique (GOM) is adjusting to the global economic situation. President Guebuza and A/S Frazer discussed at length steps needed to ensure that the June 27 runoff elections in Zimbabwe are transparent and fair, and allow the people of Zimbabwe to voice their will. End summary. MCC, Guebuza's Economic Development Goals -------------- ¶2. (C) President Guebuza told A/S Frazer he had flown to Arusha directly from the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). At the development conference, the focus among African leaders had been rising food prices, and the advantages and opportunities for economic development in Africa. While in Japan, the SADC leaders had met on the margins to discuss plans to deploy SADC monitors to the second round of Zimbabwe elections, but no agreement was reached. ¶3. (SBU) In response to A/S Frazer's inquiry about the progress of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, President Guebuza noted the MCC team had requested some changes be made. Other delays occurred due to additional reviews of the infrastructure, water and sanitation projects. However, overall the MCC outlook appeared to be on track and a positive contribution to Mozambique's development. He also expressed appreciation that through the MCA program, his government could obtain two patrol boats. A/S Frazer said her goal is for the MCC plan to unfold as quickly as possible in Mozambique. President Guebuza said with concerns about food supply shortages on the rise, a key objective for Mozambique is to improve rice production through better seeds and improved technology. He mentioned among his other top goals are more technical education opportunities for youth and increased production in maize and in cassava. Guebuza noted cassava flour mixed with wheat, which Mozambique imports, creates a blend that produces nutritious bread. ¶4. (SBU) Guebuza explained that he has "an open presidency" and routinely travels to spend four to five full days in each district. He listens to complaints and discusses development strategies with his citizens. Most persons are concerned about increasing literacy and the number of schools. Also, the people request improved energy delivery and cellular phone networks. Guebuza noted that following the riots over transportation fare increases in Maputo in February 2008, his government decided to temporarily subsidize fuel prices for operators of mini-buses. However, the long-term solution would be to establish a reliable public transportation system using rail systems or ferries as possible options. ¶5. (SBU) Mozambique has initiated a plan to increase investment. Each of the country's 128 districts will receive USD 300,000. A council of citizens decides how the money will be spent, in line with the overarching objective to create more jobs related to food production. President Guebuza believed having the people involved ensures that the investment program will be successful. Returnees/Refugees from South African Anti-Foreigner Riots -------------- -------------- ¶6. (C) President Guebuza said that the riots against foreigners in South Africa have driven 39,000 Mozambicans back home to Maputo and other cities. Many have returned by boat; most have left everything behind. This sudden influx of now unemployed workers has created an extremely difficult situation for many families as well for the GOM. Guebuza has spoken to President Mbeki who promised the situation in South DAR ES SAL 00000370 002 OF 003 Africa is under control and improving; attacks against foreigners will not be tolerated. ¶7. (C) He told A/S Frazer that Mozambique stands ready to participate in more peace keeping missions, if resources are available. A/S Frazer said that the State Department's African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) programs are presently assisting several African countries to get ready to deploy to Darfur. President Guebuza said that shortly after the Sullivan Summit, he will be headed to the United States to attend a conference on HIV and AIDs. During this trip, he plans to consult with United Nations officials about peace keeping operations (PKO). Zimbabwe Elections -------------- ¶8. (SBU) President Guebuza expressed his deep concern about the violence in Zimbabwe during the lead up to the June 27 runoff elections. He understood that President Mbeki was sending a team to ascertain why this violence continues. Guebuza noted he heard talk in Tokyo of a unity government for Zimbabwe, but did not know if the Zimbabwe constitution would provide for such a structure: "It is Zimbabwe's law, so they must decide." A/S Frazer said she had an ominous feeling about the situation in Zimbabwe. She noted that on June 2, Mugabe's government arrested and put Arthur Mutambara, the MDC Deputy in jail. In her view, Mugabe has now crossed a line that merits a strong response from all concerned, including SADC and the AU. If there is no strong response or condemnation, Mugabe's government will go further in its intimidation. (Note: Two days later, Morgan Tsvangirai was detained and later in the week, Tendai Biti was arrested and charged with treason. End note.) ¶9. (C) A/S Frazer told Guebuza that the arrest of Mutambara highlights the urgency of the United States' concern that MDC candidate Morgan Tsvangirai and other MDC leaders need protection. She stressed that the SADC leaders must ask President Mugabe to guarantee such protection. In addition, large numbers of SADC or AU monitors need to be mobilized and allowed entry into Zimbabwe as early as possible. The monitors should deploy throughout Zimbabwe, especially in the rural areas, and be working night and day. A/S Frazer told Guebuza the White House issued a statement June 2 condemning the arrest and detention of Arthur Mutambara. She also explained that Mugabe has a Joint Operations Command of intelligence, police and military who are loyal and ready to ensure by any means that he gets reelected. ¶10. (C) A/S Frazer emphasized that Morgan Tsvangirai has been absolutely clear: if he were elected, he would not seek to bring charges or retaliate against Mugabe. However, she noted if the violence against opposition parties continues unabated "it is possible Tsvangirai could change his mind." She stressed the opposition has been beaten, but not responded with violence; thus the U.S does not want to be complicit in sanctioning Mugabe's attempt to win by violence and intimidation. Election monitors are the key. ¶11. (C) Both A/S Frazer and Guebuza agreed the situation in Zimbabwe is complex. She confirmed that our U.S. Ambassador in Harare and his staff, continue to reach out on all levels, speaking to citizens and visiting many regions of the country. Mugabe, on the other hand, is not reaching out at all, and MDC members continue to be openly beaten by members of the Joint Operations Command, especially the police. A/S said if there are enough trained observers, then they can report violence or other human rights violations. ¶12. (C) A/S Frazer told Guebuza the United States believes the people of Zimbabwe are fed up and ready to vote Mugabe out, if the international community can assure the elections would be free and fair. While the U.S. could support monitoring missions financially, SADC and the African Union would have to take the lead. ¶13. (C) If Mugabe steps down or loses and concedes, he has been told privately until now that he could live out his DAR ES SAL 00000370 003 OF 003 years "honorably" i Zimbabwe. However, A/S Frazer warned if he continues using violence against or even killing opposition leaders and members, then the situation would change and he could be pursued. Guebuza insisted that the situation in Zimbabwe should still be regarded with at least some hope. He alluded to talks taking place between MDC and ZANU-PF according to the South Africans. A/S Frazer closed by noting that she had spoken with President dos Santos of Angola who agreed to send the message to Mugabe that there has to be many observers in place before the June 27 elections: in the rural areas, at the rallies, everywhere. Participants -------------- ¶14. (U) The participants in the June 3 meeting in Arusha, Tanzania were: Government of the United States: Hon. Jendayi Frazer, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Fatuma Sanneh, Assistant to A/S Frazer Mary Johnson, US Embassy Dar es Salaam, notetaker Government of Mozambique: Hon. Armando Emilio Guebuza, President of Mozambique Personal Staff Assistants, notetakers ¶15. (U) This cable was cleared by Assistant Secretary Frazer. GREEN