PERSPECTIVE OF IEC CHAIR ON RECENT ATTACKS OF U.S. TARGETS

UNCLAS MASERU 000105 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR AF/S; DS/DSS/OSAC AND DS/IP/AF; GABORONE FOR RSO; PRETORIA FOR LEGATT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV PTER PT SUBJECT: PERSPECTIVE OF IEC CHAIR ON RECENT ATTACKS OF U.S. TARGETS INCLUDING SECURITY OF CHIEF OF MISSION REF: (A) MASERU 94 (B) MASERU 93 (C) 06 MASERU 617 AND PREVIOUIS ¶1. (SBU) Following the February 27, 12:30 a.m. grenade and heavy gun shot attack on the residence/office of Partners-In-health (PIH) staffed by a U.S. citizen (and Canadian spouse) (Ref A),Ambassador received a call from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chair Thoahlane. With this attack coming just months after the killing of a Dutch volunteer with the U.S.-based Clinton Foundation (Ref C),the IEC Chair had been trying to get in touch with the U.S. Ambassador throughout the day. When we did connect, he said that he saw the bombing as having occurred with the view that certain elements are "harboring plans that are anti-American." He said he was particularly concerned about the safety and security of the American Ambassador. ¶2. (SBU) On February 28, the IEC Chairman called on Ambassador at the Chancery to speak directly about his concerns. Thoahlane found it disturbing that the attacks against U.S.-based organizations active in the anti-AIDS program so needed by Lesotho would be a target twice. (PIH is a subcontractor of the Clinton Foundation.) He felt theory on the attacks as purely political needed further analysis. ¶3. (SBU) Thoahlane was concerned that in the aftermath and confusion of post-electoral activities, possible para-military groups could act while the population at large was distracted by potential traffic boycotts and the like. He also felt the American community and the Ambassador could be future potential targets. He then alluded to the open borders that surround Lesotho which allowed individuals to literally walk across dried-up creeks and riverbeds undetected. ¶4. (SBU) The Commissioner indicated that the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) Deputy Executive Secretary, the owner of the property where the attack occurred, is his sister (a former Minister) who was badly shaken by the incident. We responded that any negative image of Lesotho could be, unfortunately, a deterrent to potential health workers when they are so sorely needed and it was important that the nation address security matters quickly. I added that we were officially engaged in major health and economic initiatives as well as public/private projects to support Lesotho on its upward trajectory. The Prime Minister had alluded to his hopes for continued movement in these areas while speaking with the U.S. Ambassador at his own swearing-in February 23 (Ref B). ¶5. (SBU) Another Chief of Mission resident in Lesotho also questioned the strange coincidence of the dual attacks on workers affiliated directly or indirectly with the U.S.-based health foundation and suggested motives beyond "political animosity" toward former Ministers Malie and Nts'inyi should be examined. ¶6. (SBU) Comment: The precautions taken at the Chief of Mission Residence (CMR) include the presence of the local guard force, described as simply a "deterrent." American citizens have been alerted through Consular/Security warnings of the assault and political developments following the elections. It is difficult to obtain concrete evidence of the IEC Chair's and the diplomat's views, but noteworthy that they both share mutual concerns about the proximate causes of these attacks (see septel). Post requests Department's fulfillment of August 2006 commitment to provide resident RSO in order to reinforce safety and security, especially following the February 27 attack and recent assault of a young American woman near the Embassy. Ambassador has visited the PIH couple and the Embassy continues to provide support to them. End Comment. PERRY