U.S.-PORTUGUESE COOPERATION IN MOZAMBIQUE: A

UNCLAS MAPUTO 000045 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/RSA AND INL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR PGOV EAID PREL MZ SUBJECT: U.S.-PORTUGUESE COOPERATION IN MOZAMBIQUE: A SUCCESSFUL MODEL REF: A. 09 STATE 101476 ¶B. 09 STATE 104670 ¶C. 09 MAPUTO 1372 ¶D. 09 MAPUTO 1206 ¶1. (SBU) Cooperative programs with the Portuguese in Mozambique represent a successful model on which to base future programs. An inexpensive joint U.S.-Portuguese border guard training program, run successfully since FY07, has provided training and equipment for over 400 border guards. Increased evidence of narco-trafficking in Mozambique combined with the country's long, unprotected borders demonstrates the need for increases in this type of cooperative program. -------------- - INL-FUNDED BORDER GUARD PROGRAM: BANG FOR BUCK -------------- - ¶2. (SBU) Using Department of State INL funds, Post has led a highly successful border security program in conjunction with the Portuguese Embassy. With a small investment ($300,000 in FY08),the program has seen concrete results with program-trained guards involved in seizures of narcotics, money and gemstones (refs A and B). Although the program was denied funding in FY09, Post managed, by virtue of the excellent relationship with the Portuguese Embassy, to conduct an abbreviated training program in FY09. PEPFAR funding was used to provide malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention training and the NGO Save the Children took advantage of the gathering of border guards to conduct training on combating child-trafficking. Post is planning on continuing the program in FY10 with $300,000 of funding from INL. The program is budgeted to receive $600,000 in FY11 which will allow Post to increase the number of guards trained through the program and will allow specialized training in narcotics detection. An INL assessment of Mozambique is planned for early 2010. -------------- COMMENT: CONTINUE PARTNERSHIP WITH PORTUGUESE -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Post recommends continued engagement with our Portuguese partners to address the rise of narco-trafficking (ref D). The Portuguese are frequently effective partners in security projects, given their historic ties to the country and shared language. The current leadership in the Portuguese Embassy is seeking new opportunities to engage with the U.S. on security-related projects. The positive working relationships between the U.S. and Portuguese embassies and the savings created by joint efforts suggest that future joint projects should be sought. ROTH