CAMEROON: APPROVAL OF FY09 1206 PROPOSAL FOR BASIC

UNCLAS YAOUNDE 001228 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/W AND AF/C, AFRICOM FOR STEVE HRICIK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CM MARR MAS PINR PTER UV SUBJECT: CAMEROON: APPROVAL OF FY09 1206 PROPOSAL FOR BASIC MILITARY INTELLIGENCE COURSE ¶1. (U) Embassy Yaounde concurs with U.S. Africa Command,s (USAFRICOM) proposal to use FY 09 1206 funds for Cameroon to participate in a Military Intelligence Basic Officer Course Africa(MIBOC-A)focused on the Gulf of Guinea. Post understands that this training will be offered to Cameroon as part of the larger U.S. goal of countering terrorism and supporting stability in the region. This course will consist of a specialized 12 week basic military intelligence training for 25-30 regional military service junior officers. The training will contribute to U.S. Embassy Yaounde,s Mission Strategic Goals by strengthening regional stability, building counter terrorism (CT) capacity to work with neighboring countries, and contributing to the Cameroon-U.S. partnership and information sharing. Following course completion, exceptional Cameroonian officers will potentially be integrated into advanced regional 12-week training. The Chief of Mission approves and supports USAFRICOM,s proposal. ¶2. (SBU) Cameroon,s capacity to combat and to identify terrorist threats within its borders remains limited. Cameroon,s military lacks the basic tools and training necessary to effectively patrol its borders and to gather intelligence. However, Cameroon has demonstrated a willingness to act as a partner to the U.S. in recognizing and combating terrorist threats operating in the region through its participation in and support of ongoing U.S. CT activities. End Note. ¶3. (U) The Points of Contact for this training program are: --Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Sousa, Defense Attache Yaounde -- Yoham Zary, Defense Liaison Officer Yaounde GARVEY