ENGAGING THE EUROPEANS ON DRUG SMUGGLING IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MAPUTO 001206 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/05/2019 TAGS: KCOR MZ PGOV PREL SNAR SUBJECT: ENGAGING THE EUROPEANS ON DRUG SMUGGLING IN MOZAMBIQUE Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES TODD CHAPMAN FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND ( D) ¶1. (C) This is an action request. See paragraph 7. ¶2. (C) SUMMARY: The Charge briefed 12 members of the European diplomatic community on October 22 regarding drug smuggling in and through Mozambique. Charge expressed the USG's growing concern and requested the diplomatic community's assistance in pressing the issue. While the European diplomats seemed to sense the severity of drug smuggling in Mozambique- most of the drugs transiting the country end up in Europe-they appeared hesitant to do more than inform their capitals of the concern and to discuss the problem in a general way with the GRM in bilateral meetings. A few Ambassadors, notably the British, Swedish, and Danish, agreed that an aggressive response to Mozambican drug smuggling is imperative to counter the corrosive effect on the GRM of illicit cash. Self-interest by members of the GRM, however, may place it at odds with the donor community's growing concerns about this issue. Post requests that USEU Brussels find ways to engage with the EU on the issue of drug smuggling in Mozambique. Additionally, Post requests that Washington agencies seek avenues to share relevant drug smuggling information with our European counterparts to convince them of the severity of the problem. END SUMMARY. -------------- CHARGE BRIEFS THE EU -------------- ¶3. (C) The Charge briefed 12 members of the European diplomatic community on October 22 about drug smuggling in and through Mozambique. He highlighted that drug smuggling was an issue of growing concern for Washington, and believed the issue would be best addressed by a unified diplomatic community. Stating that most of the drugs smuggled through Mozambique ultimately end up in Europe, he asked that European Ambassadors raise the profile of this issue in their bilateral discussions and that joint efforts be explored. Charge noted that discussions with the GRM on these issues to date had prompted little response, noting the GRM is well aware of the problem, but chooses not to engage. -------------- -------------- EU DIPLOMATS EXPRESS CONCERN, REQUEST MORE INFORMATION -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) Following the presentation, Charge took questions from the European diplomats present. Many expressed concern and wondered how the diplomatic community could work together to tackle the issue. Charge noted that most success stories begin with a large seizure in the developed world. For this to happen in Mozambique's case, governments will need to share information both with their counterparts in Brussels and their capitals. Additionally, the European diplomats agreed they could be more vocal regarding their drug smuggling concerns in discussions with GRM officials, making it clear to the GRM that the diplomatic community is taking drug smuggling seriously, and that a continued weak response by the GRM could damage bilateral relations. ¶5. (C) Charge suggested the diplomats might write a brief note to their respective capitals, apprising them of the situation and expressing interest in cooperating with Washington on the issue. The UK High Commissioner noted-supported by similar statements from other diplomats at the briefing-that the sharing of U.S. evidence of drug smuggling would be key to getting capitals to pay attention to the issue, to boost law enforcement capabilities, and to commit greater funding. The UK High Commissioner also observed that it would take something "very spectacular" to change behavior in the GRM, assessing that the GRM probably will not feel threatened unless the diplomatic community did something "major." The UK Department for International Development representative mentioned how the donor community should already have the "ammunition" it needs in the form of its aid, but noted the threat of aid reduction had not yet led to action on the part of GRM on other issues, such as the elections. MAPUTO 00001206 002 OF 002 -------------- -------------- COMMENT: NEED FURTHER ENGAGEMENT WITH THE EUROPEANS -------------- -------------- ¶6. (C) An aggressive response to Mozambican drug smuggling is imperative to counter the corrosive effect on the GRM of illicit cash. Self-interest by members of the GRM may place it at odds with the donor community's interests in Mozambique to avert the perceived growth in narco-trafficking For example, the GRM would have little incentive to strengthen police, when so doing would hinder its ability to continue to profit from the drug trade. European diplomats, however, did not appear to be taken with the idea of openly discussing the issue with the GRM, preferring, it appeared, to place their hopes on a large drug seizure. The most likely outcome from the briefing is that the diplomatic representatives will alert their capitals to the issue, but await further USG initiative to propose next steps to be taken jointly. ¶7. (C) ACTION REQUEST: Post requests that USEU Brussels find ways to engage with the EU on the issue of drug smuggling from Mozambique to Europe. Additionally, Post requests that Washington seek avenues to share relevant drug smuggling information with our European counterparts to convince them of the severity of the problem. CHAPMAN