US embassy cable - 05GABORONE880

C O N F I D E N T I A L GABORONE 000880 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/24/2015 
TAGS: PREL, US, BC, SADC 
SUBJECT: TRADE, NOT AU/SADC BRIGADES, TO BE MOGAE'S 
PRIORITY AS FUTURE SADC CHAIR 
 
 
Classified By: CDA: Lois Aroian for reasons 1.5 (b) (d) 
 
 1. (U)  ACSS Director General Carlton Fulford (ret), in 
Gaborone for the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) 
Senor Leader Seminar, called on President Mogae June 18, 
accompanied by Charge. Gen. Fulford thanked Botswana for 
co-hosting the seminar.  Substantive discussion centered on 
military issues and HIV/AIDS programs.  President Mogae said 
the Seminar would be useful for Africans, who should be able 
to support themselves rather than rely on others. 
 
2.  (U)  Gen. Fulford noted that the French-led exercise that 
was underway in Maun with SADC countries would help with 
formation of a Southern African Brigade, one of the African 
Union standby brigades.  General Fulford asked if Mogae would 
make these brigades a priority once Botswana took over the 
SADC chairmanship 
 
3.  (C)  President Mogae thanked the U.S. for its idea to 
have Africa form such brigades but said this would not be a 
priority for him when he takes over as SADC chair later this 
year.  This, said Mogae, is because SADC has yet to implement 
the many agreements it has signed in the past.  He emphasized 
inaction on the SADC Free Trade Agreement in particular. 
Mogae observed that most of the SADC protocols and 
agreements, in fact, were moribund.  Mogae viewed the brigade 
as an AU, not a SADC, project.  He promised, however, to 
support it, especially since Botswana expects to host the 
brigade.  Gen. Fulford expressed the hope that Botswana 
soldiers would lead the brigade as well, and President Mogae 
agreed. 
 
4.  (C)  Comment: President Mogae's comments underscore the 
current SADC state of inaction and the opportunity for the 
USG to encourage him in redynamizing SADC once he takes over 
as chair.  This will not be easy for Mogae, however, because 
both the Executive Secretary and Deputy Secretary of SADC are 
slated for replacement this year,and SADC has advertised many 
vacancies for new positions. As ExecSec Ramsamy has told 
diplomats on a number of occasions, SADC will be reorganizing 
for the foreseeable future. 
AROIAN 
 
 
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