MADAGASCAR: VITUPERATIVE ANTI-SADC RHETORIC FOLLOWS UNGA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANTANANARIVO 000692

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E MBEYZEROV AND AF/PDPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL SADC MA
SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR: VITUPERATIVE ANTI-SADC RHETORIC FOLLOWS UNGA
DEBACLE

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SUMMARY
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1. (U) The Malagasy transition government (HAT) and its allies are
clearly frustrated by the successful efforts of the Southern African
Development Community (SADC) to block the scheduled speech of HAT
President Andry Rajoelina at the United Nations General Assembly
last week. On Monday September 28, Pro-HAT newspapers published
vitriolic and overtly racist articles concerning SADC's motivation
for blocking Rajoelina from speaking. Meanwhile, on September 30,
the HAT Prime Minister, Monja Roindefo, issued a press release on
behalf of his cabinet condemning SADC's actions - see complete text
Para 3. Finally, HAT political allies threatened to withhold visas
to International Contact Group (ICG) mediators led by SADC
representative former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano for the
October 6 ICG meeting scheduled in Antananarivo. For an
unconstitutional government yearning for legitimacy and
international recognition, Rajoelina's failed attempt to speak to
the General Assembly has clearly caused panic amongst his backers -
but Roindefo's actions are also intended to save his own seat in the
faltering government. End Summary.

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PRO-HAT PRESS ACCUSE SADC OF RACISM?
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2. (U) The Malagasy transition government (HAT) and its media allies
have long been frustrated in their efforts to establish legitimacy
and recognition in the eyes of the international community.
Following last week's successful efforts to block Rajoelina from
speaking at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) these allies
have now lashed out in the press. Daily newspaper, La Verite (The
Truth),the mouthpiece of the HAT, published the most vitriolic
response on September 28, accusing the member countries of the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) of "unhealthy and
Machiavellian maneuvers by 'niggers' whose evil vies with
stupidity." Meanwhile, pro-HAT La Gazette qualified SADC countries
as "horrible, detestable and even racist." Radio commentators from
Rajoelina's VIVA Radio, criticized SADC countries as "savage and
uncultured."

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PRIME MINISTER ROINDEFO CONDEMNS SADC
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3. (U) On September 30, the office of transition government's (HAT)
Prime Minister Monja Roindefo issued a press release condemning the
Southern African Development Community and its member countries for
blocking HAT President Andry Rajoelina from speaking at last week's
United Nations General Assembly - text below. The press release was
carried by the majority of Malagasy dailies.

Begin text:
Pursuant to the Cabinet Meeting of Tuesday, September 29, 2009, we,
the National Union Government, led by Prime Minister Monja Roindefo
Zafitsimivalo, have reached the following unanimous resolutions:

We strongly condemn the irregular and scandalous procedure that
prevented the Malagasy Nation from enjoying its legitimate right to
express itself through its President of the High Authority of the
Transition, H. E. Mr. Andry Nirina Rajoelina, at the official stand
during the 64th United Nations General Assembly.

We condemn the seditious agreement of SADC countries which prompted
this humiliation.

We request official apologies from SADC member countries for their
offense to our national sovereignty. Failing that, the Government
of Madagascar shall take the appropriate measures regarding its SADC
membership.

We reiterate that the government's priority remains that of holding
elections as soon as possible.

Antananarivo, September 29, 2009.
On behalf of the Government,
The Prime Minister, Head of the Government
//signature//
MONJA Roindefo Zafitsimivalo (End text.)

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HAT THREATENS TO BLOCK ENTRY OF CONTACT GROUP
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4. (U) Still reeling from international embarrassment at the United
Nations, the HAT indicated that it might refuse visas and entry to
Madagascar of officials from SADC countries. According to Reuters,

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Prime Minister Roindefo claimed to have sent letters to SADC Member
states with missions in Madagascar and others wh0 voted against TGV
speaking (e.g. India) demanding an explanation. Roindefo was quoted
as saying that "further actions will depend on the response we
receive to our demands for an explanation." International Contact
Group (ICG) mediators, led by SADC representative and former
Mozambican President Joachim Chissano are expected in Madagascar in
the coming days for the ICG meeting on October 6.

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RAJOELINA SILENT
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5. (U) Throughout all of this, HAT President Rajoelina has made no
public comment since his rejection in New York. He is officially
expected to return to Madagascar September 30 after meetings in
Paris.

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COMMENT
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6. (SBU) From the time he took power in March, Rajoelina has craved
recognition and legitimacy from the international community. Last
week's UNGA fiasco has proved to be a major setback for him and his
transitional government. Prior to his departure for UNGA, the HAT
and Rajoelina had been touting his trip as the international
community's "recognition" of the HAT. Two of Rajoelina's most
ardent media cronies traveled with him to New York, reporting back
daily of how warmly he was being received by other delegations and
by New Yorkers. It comes as no surprise that they would now turn up
the heat on SADC and dissuade the Malagasy people from supporting
the Maputo process. Additionally, by defending TGV as ardently as
he is, Roindefo is also making it much harder and more awkward for
the President to dismiss him when he returns, as required under
Maputo.

Marquardt