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