ACOTA VISIT PRESSES FOR GRM PKO FOCUS

C O N F I D E N T I A L MAPUTO 000284 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/24/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV KPKO MARR MASS MZ SUBJECT: ACOTA VISIT PRESSES FOR GRM PKO FOCUS REF: A. 08 MAPUTO 1270 ¶B. 08 MAPUTO 1074 Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief Matthew P.Roth, Reasons 1.4(b+d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In a January 29-30 visit, AF/RSA's ACOTA Deputy Director for Southern African Operations met with members of the Mozambican military (FADM) to press for a GRM commitment to a specific peacekeeping operation (PKO),in order to allow ACOTA to begin planning for training and assistance to the FADM. General Graca Tomas Chongo, the Commander of the Army, stated that a PKO-specific training facility had been established at Moamba, and 350 soldiers had been designated to train there starting in March. Chongo and Director of Defense Planning Ignacio Macajo said that one of FADM's priorities is to engage in PKOs. A visit to the Moamba training facility near Maputo to determine the FADM's current level of preparedness found equipment and facilities in good condition. The GRM has yet to identify a specific PKO mission in which to participate, even though political will seems to be coalescing into firmer commitment. Additional ACOTA activities, including DVCs and train-the-trainer events, could be the right mix to focus the GRM on the next step. END SUMMARY. -------------- GRM RECONFIRMS INTEREST IN PKO PARTICIPATION -------------- ¶2. (C) In a meeting with General Graca Tomas Chongo, Commander of the Mozambican Army, the AF/RSA ACOTA DepDir reviewed FADM's previous PKO experience, including the ONUB mission to Burundi. Chongo reiterated that taking part in PKOs is a priority for the FADM, and that if the region decided to participate in a PKO, Mozambique would be a part of it. The ACOTA DepDir explained the value of a PKO in terms of training and equipment that the FADM would receive in preparation for deployment, and noted the added prestige that Mozambique would gain from taking part in a successful PKO, recommending that the GRM leverage their FADM officer posted at the UN, Navy Captain Fernando Augusto, to help Mozambique navigate the UN/DPKO system and identify a specific operation, such as MINURCA II. He also suggested that the FADM consider identifying special units such as Military Police or a Medium Truck Company for a specific PKO mission as an intermediate step. -------------- -- PKO TRAINING FACILITY MOVING IN RIGHT DIRECTION -------------- -- ¶3. (C) Chongo explained that previously the FADM did not have a dedicated training facility for PKOs, but GRM has identified a base near Maputo in Moamba specifically for PKOs, where the USG and other international partners, including the British, French, Dutch and Canadians are currently providing assistance. The DATT and ACOTA DepDir then visited the facility and found equipment in maintained and operable condition, particularly 10 Casspirs left over from the PKO mission to Burundi. They also observed the ongoing preparations of the facility itself, which is greatly improved from the former location at Boane. Chongo stated that 350 soldiers will be training there as of March 2009, and that the FADM has agreed to take part in the standby SADC PKO brigade headquartered in Gabarone. -------------- -------------- COMMENT: GRM MUST IDENTIFY A PKO MISSION; ACOTA IS KEY -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) Despite interest expressed by FADM and the GRM including the Minister of Defense and Foreign Minister, Mozambique has not yet identified a specific PKO Mission in which to take part. While the FADM appears ready and willing to accept training and equipment assistance from ACOTA and the international community to allow them to successfully take part in a PKO, the GRM does not yet appear to have gathered sufficient information to make the next step required and identify a specific mission, though we will continue to encourage them in this regard. Assistance from ACOTA, particularly additional train-the-trainer training, would greatly enhance the overall professionalization of the FADM,s peace-keeping forces. Post will continue to provide assistance to the FADM and GRM, including arranging digital video conferences (DVCs) and UN visits for senior FADM leadership, as the GRM continues to navigate the process towards becoming PKO-operational. Chapman