LESOTHO: CLASHES OVER GOVERNMENT BUSSES ESCALATE

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