Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/04/2014 -- During Q214 Brazilian Defence Minister Celso Amorim toured Angola, Mozambique and South Africa with the aim of enhancing cooperation in areas such as cyber-security, military training and military intelligence. Concluding his visit to Mozambique, Defence Minister Amorim announced the donation of three ex-Brazilian Air Force Embraer EMB-312 Tucano trainer aircraft and possible financing of three Super Tucanos to boost the operational and combat capacity of the Mozambican armed forces. It was also announced that Brazil would dispatch a delegation to Mozambique to help develop naval bases and naval training facilities. The development of these defence ties signifies a concerted effort by Brazil to extend its soft power across the African continent.

As a global mega-event, the FIFA World Cup can in many ways be understood as an exercise in enhancing Brazilian soft power. The World Cup gives Brazil the chance to demonstrate its vitality as an emerging power to the world. A safe and secure tournament, free from domestic turmoil and insecurity, is seen as an important way in which to consolidate this image. However, BMI believes that public demonstrations and domestic unrest poses a serious threat to both security as well as this image of vitality.

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During Q214 police, backed by military personnel, were deployed to the Mare favela in Rio de Janeiro as part of what the Government calls a slum 'pacification' program. Launched in 2008, this program aims to raise living standards in slums and make Rio de Janeiro a safer and more appealing city for visitors ahead of the World Cup. Some 2,700 federal Government Army troops were involved in the Mare operation. Ultimately the success of the operation has been questionable, with regular violence reported between gangs living in the favelas and security forces.

Mare is seen as a hub of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro, with drug trafficking a particular problem. Consequently it is little surprise that the Government has decided to deploy security forces in Mare until 31 July, after the World Cup ends. Human rights groups, such as Amnesty International, have accused the Brazilian Government of launching an occupation of the Mare complex. Amnesty voiced concern that the intervention of the Army and security forces in Mare may become an operational model for favelas throughout the country, raising the threat of human rights violations and the militarization of daily life in the poorest communities. BMI sees these kinds of interventions as a potential source of domestic unrest and insecurity.

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