MADAGASCAR: PERIODIC SECURITY UPDATE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANTANANARIVO 000430 NOFORN DEPT FOR DS, D, P, M, S/CT, CA, AF, AND INR E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/04/2029 TAGS: ASEC CASC MA MP PGOV PREL PTER SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR: PERIODIC SECURITY UPDATE Classified By: RSO R.J. BENT FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D. 1.(SBU) SUMMARY: Daily protests continue to peacefully occur in Antananarivo at former President Ravalomanana's Tiko/Magro distribution center, with no police intervention. Last week's Police "Assise Nationale" (convention) appeased the National Police force and was seen as successful tool used to ensure cohesion and maintain law and order. The new head of the National Police is Controlleur General Desire Johnson Rakotondratsima. END SUMMARY 2.(C) DAILY PROTESTS CONTINUE PEACEFULLY: Since April 21, the HAT (Rajoelina's High Transition Authority) has allowed Loyalists/Pro-Ravalomanana(Ra8)supporters to protest freely on the private grounds of Ra8's former Tiko/Magrodistribution center that was burnt and looted by crowds in January. During the week, the crowd is about 1,000 strong, while on the weekends, the number burgeons to more than 4,000 participants. The protests follow the same general format daily: speeches by rally leaders, a religious ceremony and then music. The crowd is comprised of middle to upper class Malagasy society (many of them driving to the event in vehicles - not the norm for the average Malagasy) between 30-60 years old. They protest mainly because they were former Tiko employees, their economic interests were adversely effected by the HAT, and/or they disapprove of the HAT and want a legitimate, elected government to replace the HAT. Also, there is an ever-growing supply of vendors seeking to profit from the gathering. There has been no violence associated with these protests. Also, expat (and all other) passers-by are allowed to continue without incident. The most detrimental effect of these protests is the traffic back-up that they cause. The only military intervention that has occurred was on Friday, June 12, at Democracy Square when about 100 protesters refused to leave the public area and then proceeded to taunt the security forces. After more than an hour of the 50 military elements encouraging the protesters to leave, they finally released five teargas grenades to clear the area. ¶3. (C) POLICE ASSISES NATIONAL: Last week, the Malagasy police hosted their own "assise nationale" (convention). This followed the Malagasy military's similar meeting intended to address discontent and unify the force. Previously, there had been rumors of a possible police strike and RSO police contacts confirmed that flyers were being circulated amongst the police community outlining grievances. Their main source of stated discontent was that the police are being paid less than their gendarme and military counterparts. Additionally, the flyers highlighted police discontent with their leadership. The meeting was largely seen as successful, with even the lower-ranking officers having the opportunity to express their concerns. The police were also told that they would receive salary increases, but that it would not be immediate as the police would have to appeal to the Government of Madagascar (GOM). (Note: From all accounts, GOM coffers are dwindling and this proposed raise, although well-intentioned, probably won't come to fruition). On Friday, the closing day of the assises, the group agreed on 21 resolutions, which were read publicly, but have yet to be published in the papers. It is understood that the general goal of these 21 resolutions was to outline how the police will continue to maintain law and order during this unstable transition period, while remaining a unified, cohesive force. Of note was the official installation as Director General Police National (DGPN),of Controlleur General Desire Johnson Rakotondratsima, replacing Antonin Alexis Rene Talbot, a close embassy contact. MARQUARDT