Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MASERU158
2008-05-29 15:04:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Maseru
Cable title:
LESOTHO: CLASHES OVER GOVERNMENT BUSSES ESCALATE
how-toVZCZCXRO6092 RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHRN DE RUEHMR #0158 1501504 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 291504Z MAY 08 FM AMEMBASSY MASERU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3704 INFO RUCNSAD/SADC COLLECTIVE RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU 4123
UNCLAS MASERU 000158
SIPDIS
DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S, DS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC CASC LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO: CLASHES OVER GOVERNMENT BUSSES ESCALATE
REF: MASERU 155; MASERU 151
UNCLAS MASERU 000158
SIPDIS
DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S, DS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC CASC LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO: CLASHES OVER GOVERNMENT BUSSES ESCALATE
REF: MASERU 155; MASERU 151
1. On the morning of May 29, groups of individuals blocked
taxis and government busses in several Maseru neighborhoods from
picking up or transporting passengers. According to
eyewitnesses, some members of these protest groups, apparently
in an effort to provide ad hoc support to taxi operators in an
ongoing transportation dispute (reftels),threw rocks, blocked
roads, and forcibly removed passengers from vehicles. These
actions led to a confrontation between protesters and police
along one main transportation route into the capital. Shots
were fired at the scene, and in several other neighborhoods, and
several vehicles were damaged. A local press report indicated
that several injured bus passengers were transported to Maseru's
primary hospital.
2. The May 29 events disrupted traffic, and public transport
remained scarce throughout the day. Emboffs observed an
increased number of police/military checkpoints along Maseru's
principal roads. According to a police statement, on the
previous day, May 28, a confrontation between taxi operators
and security personnel guarding a government-operated bus in a
Maseru suburb resulted in the shooting and serious injury of one
of the protesters. Commercial activity in central Maseru,
however, remained normal May 28-29 and Embassy staff members
were able to conduct regular business.
3. COMMENT: While the prognosis for the conflict over
transportation issues remains foggy, taxi drivers and owners
appear to view their dispute with the government as unresolved
and that the May 28 shooting and May 29 confrontations with
police have escalated matters. If a general strike, which the
Maseru Taxi Association previously threatened, does materialize
the week of June 2-6 (reftels),Maseru could experience further
transportation disruptions and related security concerns. END
COMMENT.
MURPHY
SIPDIS
DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S, DS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ASEC CASC LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO: CLASHES OVER GOVERNMENT BUSSES ESCALATE
REF: MASERU 155; MASERU 151
1. On the morning of May 29, groups of individuals blocked
taxis and government busses in several Maseru neighborhoods from
picking up or transporting passengers. According to
eyewitnesses, some members of these protest groups, apparently
in an effort to provide ad hoc support to taxi operators in an
ongoing transportation dispute (reftels),threw rocks, blocked
roads, and forcibly removed passengers from vehicles. These
actions led to a confrontation between protesters and police
along one main transportation route into the capital. Shots
were fired at the scene, and in several other neighborhoods, and
several vehicles were damaged. A local press report indicated
that several injured bus passengers were transported to Maseru's
primary hospital.
2. The May 29 events disrupted traffic, and public transport
remained scarce throughout the day. Emboffs observed an
increased number of police/military checkpoints along Maseru's
principal roads. According to a police statement, on the
previous day, May 28, a confrontation between taxi operators
and security personnel guarding a government-operated bus in a
Maseru suburb resulted in the shooting and serious injury of one
of the protesters. Commercial activity in central Maseru,
however, remained normal May 28-29 and Embassy staff members
were able to conduct regular business.
3. COMMENT: While the prognosis for the conflict over
transportation issues remains foggy, taxi drivers and owners
appear to view their dispute with the government as unresolved
and that the May 28 shooting and May 29 confrontations with
police have escalated matters. If a general strike, which the
Maseru Taxi Association previously threatened, does materialize
the week of June 2-6 (reftels),Maseru could experience further
transportation disruptions and related security concerns. END
COMMENT.
MURPHY