MADAGASCAR REPORT OF FAILED ATTACK ON TRANSITION PRESIDENT

UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000833 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E MARIA BEYZEROV AND DS/AF/IP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MA SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR REPORT OF FAILED ATTACK ON TRANSITION PRESIDENT RAJOELINA ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Via multiple press sources, Madagascar was informed on December 3 and 4 that on the night of December 2 President Rajoelina's car was allegedly fired on as he returned to Antananarivo from an in-country trip. No one was hurt and as of December 4, there are no known witnesses, evidence or suspects according to police. END SUMMARY -------------- News reports -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Late December 3, radio, TVM and VIVA TV carried reports of a press conference with the presidential security unit that in the night of December 2 en route to the city from the airport, one shot was fired at President Rajoelina's motorcade. The motorcade did not stop but continued on its way. The event allegedly occurred at 1930 and was near the location of the new embassy complex. No one has been detained or charged and reportedly the investigation is ongoing. At least one press report indicated that residents in the area reported they had heard nothing. More sensational reports on the alleged attack appeared in December 4 print press. -------------- Security Services -------------- ¶3. (SBU) The press conference by security services advised that a shot from an arme de guerre (a military style weapon issued only to military and law enforcement) had struck the right windshield of the Presidential vehicle. The caliber and make of the weapon are unknown. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: If, as reported, the shot did hit the moving vehicle, it was probably fired by a professional. One newspaper mentioned this theory. A shot by an opponent to intimidate Rajoelina is possible, as is a shot orchestrated by his movement for political ends, or it also remains possible that nothing actually occurred. It seems clear that this was not an attempt to actually assassinate Rajoelina, as only one shot was taken, and it is well know that the President travels in an armored vehicle. End comment. MARQUARDT