SECRET UK EYES A
Nigeria, by virtue of its power and influence is taking a active foreign policy role in Africa. In particular, its armed forces are deployed in support of Nigeria's foreign policy in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Angola. In addition, Nigeria taking the lead in trying to find a political solution to the war in Sudan. Kenya, which still remains a one party state, is coming under increasing pressures from within for change. Linked to endemic economical problems this could lead to further unrest. From a UK Defence perspective the country remains important, with the Kenyan Government continuing to offer training facilities which are outstanding and unmatched by any others available in UK or in Europe. The Kenyan Government remains sensitive to any publicity of our training.
MILITARY ASSISTANCE
13.
As a result of the momentous changes in East/West relations and the developments within Sub Saharan Africa, the FCO has reviewed its policy initiatives in the Region. In West Africa residual small teams remain in Ghana and Gambia; in East Africa, Uganda and Kenya receive Short Term Training Teams for specific tasks lasting some 2 to 3 months. In Southern Africa, in addition to the most successful British Military Assistance Training Team (BMATT) Zimbabwe, we have had notable success. BMATT Namibia, with smaller teams doing invaluable
invaluable work in Lesotho and Swaziland. However, with the political situation in South Africa changing for the better and in view of other priorities for UKMTAS funds, BMATT Zimbabwę and Namibia are now being reduced. The FCO commitment to military assistance in Mozambique, exercised through BMATT Zimbabwe, has not altered, but is under considerable pressure to be reduced in size.
14.
There is a general trend for military assistance in Sub Saharan Africa towards shorter term commitments with clearly defined political and supporting military objectives. This can take the form of a team deploying in-country for periods ranging from 2 months to 2 years. With dwindling FCO resources, these are attractive options and, providing the military task is credible, still gives worthwhile experience for British Servicemen. A new departure has been the UK's participation, with Portugal and France, in the formation of an armed force for Angola, part of the peace process which is scheduled to lead to elections in 1992.
AUSTRALIA AND PACIFIC
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
15. Over the period Australia has continued to develop a more robust regional foreign policy, increasing its influence both in the Pacific Island states through military assistance, and more widely in countries that border the Pacific Rim.
The insurrection in Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) is being monitored with concern by the Australian Government. Like the New Zealand Armed Forces, Australia has recently remodelled its MOD to emulate the MODUK reorganization. Turbulence caused by
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SECRET UK EYES A