TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ON MEMBERS OF FORMER GOM

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANTANANARIVO 000249

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/E - MBEYZEROV
PARIS FOR RKANEDA
LONDON FOR PLORD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/04/2018
TAGS: PGOV MA
SUBJECT: TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ON MEMBERS OF FORMER GOM

Classified By: AMBASSADOR NIELS MARQUARDT FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D.


1. (C) SUMMARY: Post has obtained a copy of the government
order listing 21 individuals associated with the former
government who are now subject to travel restrictions pending
the outcome of legal proceedings. Post is not aware of any
actual charges being brought against these individuals, nor
have they been arrested pending investigation; the only
restriction, to date, is on their foreign travel (although at
least two, former President Ravalomanana, and Minister of
Land Reform Marius Ratolojanahary, are already abroad). Over
time, the new government may uncover crimes by some members
of the former government, but the composition of this list
casts doubts on their stated intention to avoid a witch hunt
against the old regime. Several of those listed have
complained to the ambassador about this action, and the
diplomatic community is preparing to raise concerns with the
HAT about perceived unwarranted persecution of former
officials. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) The order was signed on March 18, 2009, and released
to "all Chief of Airport and Port Services of Madagascar",
with copies to the High Transitional Authority (HAT) and the
security services. It states that those listed are currently
the subject of legal proceedings for crimes including
premeditated murder, high treason, embezzlement, financial
and customs fraud, endangerment of internal security, and/or
complicity in such crimes. They are specifically forbidden
from leaving the territory of Madagascar.


3. (SBU) The individuals named are as follows:

- Marc RAVALOMANANA, former President of the Republic
- General RAOELINA, former deputy to the Director of
Presidential Security
- General Alain RANDRIAMORIA, former Director of Presidential
Security
- Colonel Faly ANDRIAMAMPIADANA, Commander of EmmoReg
Ankadilalana
- Colonel Faustin RABETOKOTANY, deputy to previous
- Frederic RASAMOELY, Governor of the Central Bank of
Madagascar
- Charles RABEMANANJARA, former Prime Minister
- Haja RAZAFINJATOVO, former Minister of Finance and Budget
- Jean Louis ROBINSON, former Minister of Youth and Sport
- Marius RATOLOJANAHARY, former Minister of Land Reform
- Marcel RANJEVA, former Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Manasse BEZARA, former Minister of Decentralization
- Fenosoa RATSIMANETRIMANANA, former General Secretary of the
Presidency
- Mamy RANAIVONIARIVO, Vice Admiral, former Minister of
Defense
- Paul Richard RALAINIRINA, former Minister of Health
- Tsehenoarisoa RABENJA, former Minister of the Interior
- Harison Edmond RANDRIARIMANANA, former Minister of the
Environment, Forests, and Tourism
- Jerry RASOLOFOMANANA, unknown
- Pierrot BOTOZAZA, former Minister of Transportation
- Emile RATEFINANAHARY, (aka "Vazaha),pro TIM demonstration
leader
- Walter ESPINOZA, former Deputy General Director of JIRAMA
(Bolivian national)


4. (C) COMMENT: While it is not unreasonable for the GOM to
prohibit suspects in criminal cases from leaving the country,
the composition of this list, and circumstances of its
signing (only one day after the HAT came to power, likely
without any evidence or formal charges),cast serious doubt
on the HAT's stated intention to avoid a "witch hunt" in the
transition period. Ambassador Marquardt has raised this
issue, and shared the document, with the UN envoy Drame and
key ambassadors in Antananarivo. END COMMENT.
MARQUARDT