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