BURKINA FASO: FY09 1206 PROPOSAL FOR BASIC MILITARY

UNCLAS OUAGADOUGOU 001065 DEPT FOR AF/W AFRICOM FOR STEVE HRICIK SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MASS PTER UV SUBJECT: BURKINA FASO: FY09 1206 PROPOSAL FOR BASIC MILITARY INTELLIGENCE COURSE ¶1. (U) Embassy Ouagadougou concurs with U.S. Africa Command's (USAFRICOM) proposal to use FY 09 1206 funds to conduct a Military Intelligence Basic Officer Course (MIBOC) in Burkina for selected Burkinabe. Post understands that this training will be offered to Burkina Faso as part of the larger U.S. goal of countering terrorism and supporting stability in the region. This course will consist of specialized 8-to-12 week basic military intelligence training for 25-30 military service junior officers. The training will contribute to Embassy Ouagadougou's Mission Strategic Goals of strengthening regional stability, building counter terrorism (CT) military units' capacity to work with regional countries, and contribute to Burkina Faso-U.S. partnership and information sharing. Following course completion, exceptional Burkinabe officers will potentially be integrated into a regional 12-week MIBOC. The Chief of Mission approves and supports USAFRICOM's proposal. ¶2. (SBU) Burkina Faso's capacity to combat and to identify terrorist threats within its borders remains limited. Burkina Faso's military lacks basic tools and training necessary to patrol effectively its borders and to gather intelligence. However, Burkina Faso has demonstrated the willingness to act as a partner with the U.S. in recognizing and combating terrorist threats in the region through its participation in, and support of, ongoing U.S. CT activities. In addition, the Government of Burkina Faso (GOBF) is building its capacity to effectively combat corruption, arms and drugs trafficking, and religious intolerance in order to better stem the growing threat of extremism in the region. While terrorist organizations are not currently known to operate in Burkina Faso, the nation is susceptible to extremist influences because of its severe poverty, largely uneducated population, and its porous borders. Note. The Department of State has recommended that Burkina Faso become a member of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSTCP) because of its exemplary contribution as a CT partner, thereby also making it a partner in Operation Enduring Freedom Trans-Sahara (OEF-TS). End Note. ¶3. (U) The Points of Contact for this training program include: --Lt. Colonel Patrick Doyle, the Defense Attache; Email: DoylePO@state.gov or didoypo@dia.smil.mil; Phone (225) 2249-4000 ext.4509. --Breanna Green, the Political Military Officer; Email: GreenB2@state.gov or GreenBX2@state.sgov.gov; Phone: (226) 5030-6723 ext. 4087. JACKSON