LESOTHO: POLITICAL OPPOSITION SUPPORTS TAXI STRIKE

UNCLAS MASERU 000188 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S, DS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV ECON ASEC LT SUBJECT: LESOTHO: POLITICAL OPPOSITION SUPPORTS TAXI STRIKE REF: A) MASERU 185; B) MASERU 163 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: On June 25, the leaders of Lesotho's primary opposition parties held a press conference to express their support for the June 30 nationwide transport sector strike planned by the Maseru Region Transport Association (ref A). Various opposition speakers urged the public to observe the protest action as a general strike, and vented a grab bag of complaints against the GOL. Local observers describe transport operators as "agitated" and not inclined to negotiate further. Contacts within the GOL expressed confidence that the dispute would be resolved without undue disruption in the capital. There is no indication, however, that the MRTA intends to alter its plans for a disruptive protest on June 30. END SUMMARY. -------------- Opposition Supports Strike -------------- ¶2. (U) On June 25, the leaders of Lesotho's primary opposition parties held a press conference at Lakeside Hotel in Maseru to express their support for a nationwide transport sector strike (ref A) planned by the Maseru Region Transport Association (MRTA). All Basotho Convention Leader Thomas Thabane called for all citizens to stay home for the duration of the strike, planned for June 30-July 3, and "relax and enjoy quality time with family." Lesotho Workers Party leader Maceafa Billy also urged the general public not to work during the strike "for the ultimate benefit of Basotho society." Dr. Majara Molapo of the Basotho National Party made pointed criticisms claiming that Prime Minister Mosisili is unwilling to listen to the "grievances of the Basotho people." Marematlou Freedom Party leader Vincent Malebo and octogenarian leader of the contested National Independent Party Anthony Manyeli also spoke in support of the transportation sector's protest action. -------------- A Stunted Dialogue -------------- ¶3. (U) On June 26, Minister of Communications Metsing, Minister of Transportation Chakela, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Phooko held a meeting with MRTA representatives facilitated by the Lesotho Council of NGOs (LCN) and the Transformation Resource Center (TRC). Embassy contacts within the MRTA told Emboff that the meeting was inconclusive and the organization still intends to proceed with its protest action on June 30. -------------- Unofficial Government Reaction -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Embassy conversations with GOL officials on the situation revealed varied assessments of the situation. Deputy Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs Thabang Lekhela believes that the protest action will go forward and cause limited disruption on the morning of June 30. He commented that those who wish to work would do so, and by mid-morning, Maseru should return to normal. He stated that the GOL would continue to provide security, and those who stay home from work would do so for "political" rather than security reasons. Principal Secretary of Communications Tseliso Mokela was dismissive of the planned protest action, expressing confidence that the GOL will resolve the matter quickly, intimating that a dialogue would obviate the need for strike action. -------------- No Change Yet in Protest Plans -------------- ¶5. (U) COMMENT: Local observers assess the mood of transport operators as "agitated." Despite the GOL's apparent confidence that dialogue will resolve the MRTA's grievances, there are no signs the transport association will alter its plans for a disruptive protest on June 30. END COMMENT. MURPHY