AU SUMMIT -- AF ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY MEETS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 000320 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/FO, AF/E, AND AF/RSA E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV MA AU SUBJECT: AU SUMMIT -- AF ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY MEETS MALAGASY FOREIGN MINISTER Classified By: AMBASSADOR DONALD YAMAMOTO, REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (U) Action for Embassy Antananarivo -- see paragraph 5. ¶2. (C) On February 2 AF Acting Assistant Secretary Phillip Carter met Malagasy Foreign Minister Marcel Ranjeva on the margins of the African Union (AU) summit. The discussion focused exclusively on the crisis arising from the confrontation between the Mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, and the President of the country, Marc Ravalomanana. Ranjeva spoke at length presenting the official version and interpretation of events. He provided a detailed account of events unfolding in Antananarivo -- most of which have been well covered in the press -- and acknowledged the danger these developments posed for stability and the socio-economic prospects of Madagascar. He said that following the violence, day-to-day conditions for populace have returned to normal, but the threat of renewed violence remains. He also stressed that the President continues to enjoy substantial popular support. ¶3. (C) Carter was explicit that the United States firmly supports democratic processes, and the institutional and structural provisions of the constitution, but that it is a mark of true leadership to acknowledge responsibility for failings and work hard to correct socio-economic problems facing Madagascar. Carter told Ranjeva that from the U.S. perspective the President had been legitimately elected under the provisions of the Malagasy constitution and the Mayor's effort to use extra-constitutional means to oust the President were unacceptable. He urged the President to engage in open dialogue and to keep the populace informed of these efforts. ¶4. (C) Ranjeva asked the USG to issue a statement supporting the government. Carter, emphasizing the United States is not partisan in this crisis, urged the President to demonstrate courageous leadership to protect the constitution and democratic processes and to engage in open dialogue to resolve the looming political, social, and economic crises. He said the President was not doing enough and noted his style contributed to the crisis, concluding that the Mayor tapped into a vein of popular discontent that Ravalomanana must address and resolve in an open and transparent manner. ¶5. (C) Ranjeva heard the message, and said he would convey it to Ravalomanana. Post may wish to follow up with Ranjeva to ensure that he delivers the message as promised. ¶6. (U) Acting A/S Carter approved this message. YAMAMOTO