MADAGASCAR: PERIODIC SECURITY UPDATE JUNE 23

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANTANANARIVO 000468 NOFORN SIPDIS DEPT FOR DS, D, P, M, S/CT, CA, AF, AND INR E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2029 TAGS: ASEC CASC MA MP PGOV PREL PTER SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR: PERIODIC SECURITY UPDATE JUNE 23 REF: ANTAN 435 Classified By: RSO R.J. BENT FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Daily "Legalist" protests continue at Magro. An undetonated artisanal bomb was discovered and defused by security forces. Additional, but still sketchy information on the "Vigimada" security plan for June 26 National Day has been released. Otherwise, a general calm prevails in Antananarivo and throughout Madagascar in the lead-up to National Day, as it has for over two months now. END SUMMARY ¶2. (SBU) PROTESTS: Everyday except for Sunday, the pro-Ravalomanana (Ra8) protesters continued to rally at the former Magro food distribution center, which is Ra8's private property. The rallies are, by and large, peaceful and controlled without security force intervention. Every day there is music, speeches and prayers. On Saturday, June 20, security forces intervened and used tear gas grenades about 1 km away from the Magro to disperse about 100 student protesters who attempted to march to an undisclosed location. The crowd dispersed, and main rally continued and ended peacefully. ¶3. (SBU) UNDETONATED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DISCOVERED: On June 18 around 10:00 am, security forces discovered and defused an undetonated artisanal explosive device near the Jesosy Manonjy Church in Akorondrano - about 1/2 kilometer from the Magro protest site. An investigation is underway, but no additional information has been released, nor have any suspects been named. ¶4. (C) VIGIMADA: In preparation for the upcoming June 26th independence day holiday and referring to the two recent events involving this and one other explosive device, HAT Prime Minister Monja Roindefo rolled out the "Vigimada" plan to the Minister of Decentralization, armed forces and security members and regional chiefs. In an attempt to reassure the public, the 22 region chiefs are to implement the plan in conjunction with the Military, Gendarme and the National Police. Vigimada will defend the nation, ensure internal security, and provide for rural security. They have received the guidelines, but no further information will be released publicly for security reasons. Gendarme contacts reported that Vigimada will utilize a three color system: Red for the highest alert level, which would include a curfew and restriction of public freedom; Orange the level at which Madagascar is currently rated, based on rumors of a "mercenary invasion"; and Blue for relative calm. RSO contacts have attempted without success to obtain more detailed information on Vigimada. In any case, no USG employees will be involved in National Day celebrations this year. MARQUARDT