MASERU EAC (3/19/07) ASSESSES MASSIVE WORK STOPPAGE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MASERU 000162 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/EX, AF/S, CA/OCS, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AND DS/DSS/OSAC; GABORONE FOR RSO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC AEMR AMGT CASC PREL PGOV LT SUBJECT: MASERU EAC (3/19/07) ASSESSES MASSIVE WORK STOPPAGE REF: MASERU 160 MASERU 00000162 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Maseru's Emergency Action Committee (EAC) convened on March 19 to discuss the first day of a three-day, opposition-led work stoppage ("stay away"),to assess potential threats to USG personnel, and to review the mission's security posture. Day One of the stay-away was widely observed in Maseru (mostly due to fear of potential violence),bringing the local economy and government services to a halt. Maseru remained calm but tense throughout the day, although there were several notable acts of intimidation and violence. There is no evidence that diplomats or foreign residents have been targeted. The post has issued security and warden notices advising personnel and Amcits of developments and the potential for violence. The Embassy will remain on reduced local staffing through March 21, providing transport for essential local staff and advising other employees to remain at home if local conditions prohibit safe commuting. End Summary. ¶2. (U) On March 15 opposition leader Tom Thabane, head of the ABC political party, called for a three-day country wide strike March 19-21 (known locally as a "stay away"). The call for mass action, supported by several opposition parties, is a show of strength and symbol of opposition displeasure over election-related issues, including the distribution of legislative seats. On the evening of March 15, GOL security authorities, including military units, forcibly removed Thabane and several other parliamentarians who had attempted an overnight sit-in at the Parliament building (reftel). ¶3. (U) EAC members assessed that the first day of the stay-away, March 19, was widely observed in greater Maseru and significantly disruptive to the local economy. Public transportation was non-existent, as most local taxi and bus companies actively participated in the stay-away, or declined to put their vehicles and drivers on the road for fear of violent retribution from opposition supporters. Although Maseru remained calm throughout the day, the following incidents were observed or reported to EAC members: --at least three taxis were attacked and burned, and one taxi driver was beaten; --opposition supporters set up numerous informal roadblocks, preventing many commuters from outlying villages and towns from entering Maseru; --shots were heard at two locations, although no injuries were reported; --several vehicles were stoned, reportedly including the Minister of Health's car; --during the night of March 18 and early morning March 19, opposition supporters burned tires at several locations throughout the city; --a GOL-owned vehicle supplied to the Government of Botswana for the upcoming SADC Council of Ministers was carjacked during the night of March 18-19; the driver was robbed and tied up, but unharmed. Security officials have not determined if the incident was politically or criminally motivated; --the vast majority of shops and commercial establishments remain shuttered throughout the day. Vehicular traffic was minimal, with a noticeable increase in pedestrians; --local textile factories reported a 20 percent attendance rate, leading to closures of production lines. Similarly low attendance rates at other factories resulted in trucks returning to South Africa, unable to load or offload in Maseru. ¶4. (U) On the eve of the work stoppage, GOL officials had warned government employees to turn up at work locations and also warned public transport operators that they would face license revocation if they failed to transport workers. Embassy officers observed large crowds of workers gathering at taxi and bus stops in the early hours of the day. Lacking transportation options, however, many civil servants were unable to travel to work. About half of U.S. mission local staff were unable to make the commute; Embassy drivers ferried essential staff, while several employees used their private vehicles. ¶5. (SBU) The EAC recommended or concurred with the following security measures and assessments: --The city of Maseru remains tense but calm. Interior cities and towns are calm, with most reports indicating that the stay-away was not widely observed outside of Maseru. --There is no evidence that diplomats or foreign workers and residents have been targeted. All Peace Corps volunteers have been accounted for; other than those on business or attending training in Maseru, all PCVs have been advised to stay in place for the duration of the stay-away period. --Diplomatic efforts continue, led by key resident missions, and are aimed at engaging the SADC Secretariat (in Maseru for the March 21-23 SADC Ministerial) to encourage a dialogue among the MASERU 00000162 002.2 OF 002 GOL and political parties (septel); --A post security notice was issued on March 16 advised all personnel of the potential for a work-stoppage and associated violence; an updated message was issued on March 19. --a parallel Warden Message was issued to all registered Amcits on March 16, updated on March 19; --absent any statements from key opposition leaders ending the stay-away, post will remain on reduced local staffing through March 21, providing transport for essential staff and advising other employees to remain at home if local conditions prohibit safe commuting. PERRY