AFRICA COMMAND'S AMBASSADOR YATES VISITS MOZAMBIQUE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MAPUTO 001270 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV MZ SUBJECT: AFRICA COMMAND'S AMBASSADOR YATES VISITS MOZAMBIQUE Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Todd Chapman for Reasons 1.4 (b) and ( d) ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: In a December 1-3 visit to Mozambique, Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Activities (DCMA) Ambassador Mary Yates discussed the potential for the Government of Mozambique (GRM) to take part in Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs) with the Minister of Defense and the Minister of the Presidency, met with the Portuguese Ambassador to discuss bi-lateral cooperation, spoke at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) about the Africa Command, and opened a new PEPFAR-funded Military Day Hospital. END SUMMARY. -------------- MOZAMBIQUE'S PKO POTENTIAL -------------- ¶2. (C) DCMA Yates discussed Mozambique's commitment to multinational peacekeeping operations in meetings with both the Minister of the Presidency and Minister of Defense. Both reiterated Mozambique's desire to participate in peacekeeping operations, but the Minister of Defense expressed concern about whether his forces had all of the necessary equipment. DCMA Yates explained that the Government must volunteer for a specific mission, and this decision communicated to the United Nations will enable the international community to organize support. The DCMA highlighted the effect of strengthening Mozambique's regional leadership position by participating in PKO. Concerns about increases of narco-trafficking were raised by the Charge in both meetings. A Presidential advisor also asked for assistance in methods to stop unwanted foreigners from entering the country. -------------- PORTUGUESE AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES COOPERATION -------------- ¶3. (SBU) DCMA Yates and the Portuguese Ambassador discussed the Government of Mozambique's (GRM) PKO efforts, commented on the successful tri-lateral border guard training program, and agreed to explore further bi-lateral opportunities. The Portuguese Ambassador expressed a desire to partner with the USG regarding the security of land and maritime borders and the development of a unit capable of participating in PKO. DCMA Yates described USG efforts to assist the GRM to exert control over more of its currently ungoverned maritime spaces. In response to DCMA Yates' inquiry, the Portuguese Defense Attache reported that the GRM's public position on Africa Command is aligned with that of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). -------------- MILITARY HOSPITAL RIBBON CUTTING -------------- ¶4. (U) DCMA Yates, the Charge, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Health participated in a formal ceremony to celebrate the opening a new annex of the Military Hospital for Treatment and Care of Infectious Diseases. In her remarks, the DCMA reaffirmed Africa Command's willingness to be a partner with Mozambique in the fight against HIV/AIDS and that the command places humanitarian issues as a priority. The Minister of Health noted that the new annex of the Military Hospital would be of great assistance in the efforts to battle the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mozambique. -------------- PUBLIC OUTREACH ON AFRICA COMMAND -------------- ¶5. (U) DCMA Yates spoke on the "Future Direction of the U.S. Africa Command After Its Opening" to an audience of 100 at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM),Mozambique's premier university. Afterwards she fielded questions, the ensuing discussion focused on the potential positive impact of greater military engagement if there is increased public understanding of Africa Command's priority on humanitarian issues. The Chief of Defense Staff and a large military contingent attended and asked many questions. DCMA Yates was able to clarify some lingering misperceptions about the command. A Press pull aside followed attended by national MAPUTO 00001270 002 OF 002 Radio Mozambique and Independent Television of Mozambique (TIM). ¶6. (U) Press reports were mostly positive and focused largely on the hospital opening with headlines like "USA and Mozambique Together in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS." The event was featured during primetime news coverage on national Televisao de Mozambique (TVM) and the event was well covered by private and public news channels, including STV, TIM, as well as the Portugal-based TV station RTP. National Radio Mozambique ran news briefs throughout the day of the event. At least a dozen print press stories followed, including a story on the national news wire service, Agencia Informacao de Mozambique (AIM). -------------- COMMENT: -------------- ¶7. (SBU) DCMA Yates' visit reinforced the USG's support of improved maritime domain capability and Mozambique's participation in PKO. Additionally, it afforded an opportunity for the senior leadership of the Command to dispel many of the myths and misconceptions regarding the headquarters. The visit was well received by the GRM and the international diplomatic community, suggesting that further visits will go far towards allaying continuing fears among some in Mozambique of Africa Command's intentions in the region. The Minister of the Presidency and the Minister of Defense both noted their appreciation for the opportunity to hold discussions with a senior representative of Africa Command. Amani