MAURITIUS GIVES POSITIVE REACTION TO AFRICOM

UNCLAS PORT LOUIS 000358 SIPDIS AF/RSA FOR JUN BANDO NEA/RA FOR STEVE SOUCEK PM/PPA FOR EVAN FOSTER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PREL MP SUBJECT: MAURITIUS GIVES POSITIVE REACTION TO AFRICOM REF: STATE 104550 ¶1. On October 8, Post delivered reftel demarche to Ministry of Foreign Affairs U.S. Desk Officer, Sameem Gaffar. Gaffar took note of the demarche points and said that he does not see this change affecting the positive military-to-military relationship between USG and Mauritius. ¶2. On October 9, 2008, RSO and Pol-Mil Officer delivered a follow-on demarche to Acting Police Commissioner, Jean Bruneau as to notify Mauritian Security Forces of the stand up of AFRICOM. (NOTE: Bruneau previously attended an AFRICOM DVC presentation held by Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates so he has previous knowledge regarding AFRICOM. END NOTE.) ¶3. Bruneau said he appreciates Post speaking with him about the transition, and conveyed Mauritian Security Forces' gratitude for USG support and training. Bruneau further said he looks forward to improved interaction under this new command structure, which he thinks should bring better regional mission focus for Mauritius. (NOTE: Mauritius is unique in that it does not have a formal military. Its security forces consist of traditional policing units and para-military units that carry out traditional military responsibilities. The Police Commissioner is the commander of the security forces. END NOTE.) BLASER