VZCZCXRO1473
OO RUEHMR
DE RUEHMR #0105 0601120
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 011120Z MAR 07
FM AMEMBASSY MASERU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2675
INFO RUEHOR/AMEMBASSY GABORONE PRIORITY 0315
RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA PRIORITY 0824
RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU 3024

UNCLAS MASERU 000105 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR AF/S; DS/DSS/OSAC AND DS/IP/AF; GABORONE FOR RSO; PRETORIA 
FOR LEGATT 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC PGOV PTER PT
SUBJECT: PERSPECTIVE OF IEC CHAIR ON RECENT ATTACKS OF U.S. TARGETS 
INCLUDING SECURITY OF CHIEF OF MISSION 
 
REF: (A) MASERU 94  (B) MASERU 93  (C) 06 MASERU 617 AND PREVIOUIS 
 
¶1.  (SBU) Following the February 27, 12:30 a.m. grenade and 
heavy gun shot attack on the residence/office of 
Partners-In-health (PIH) staffed by a U.S. citizen (and Canadian 
spouse) (Ref A), Ambassador received a call from the Independent 
Electoral Commission (IEC) Chair Thoahlane.  With this attack 
coming just months after the killing of a Dutch volunteer with 
the U.S.-based Clinton Foundation (Ref C), the IEC Chair had 
been trying to get in touch with the U.S. Ambassador throughout 
the day.  When we did connect, he said that he saw the bombing 
as having occurred with the view that certain elements are 
"harboring plans that are anti-American."  He said he was 
particularly concerned about the safety and security of the 
American Ambassador. 
 
¶2.  (SBU) On February 28, the IEC Chairman called on Ambassador 
at the Chancery to speak directly about his concerns.  Thoahlane 
found it disturbing that the attacks against U.S.-based 
organizations active in the anti-AIDS program so needed by 
Lesotho would be a target twice.  (PIH is a subcontractor of the 
Clinton Foundation.)  He felt theory on the attacks as purely 
political needed further analysis. 
 
¶3.  (SBU) Thoahlane was concerned that in the aftermath and 
confusion of post-electoral activities, possible para-military 
groups could act while the population at large was distracted by 
potential traffic boycotts and the like.  He also felt the 
American community and the Ambassador could be future potential 
targets.  He then alluded to the open borders that surround 
Lesotho which allowed individuals to literally walk across 
dried-up creeks and riverbeds undetected. 
 
¶4.  (SBU) The Commissioner indicated that the ruling Lesotho 
Congress for Democracy (LCD) Deputy Executive Secretary, the 
owner of the property where the attack occurred, is his sister 
(a former Minister) who was badly shaken by the incident.  We 
responded that any negative image of Lesotho could be, 
unfortunately, a deterrent to potential health workers when they 
are so sorely needed and it was important that the nation 
address security matters quickly.  I added that we were 
officially engaged in major health and economic initiatives as 
well as public/private projects to support Lesotho on its upward 
trajectory.  The Prime Minister had alluded to his hopes for 
continued movement in these areas while speaking with the U.S. 
Ambassador at his own swearing-in February 23 (Ref B). 
 
¶5.  (SBU) Another Chief of Mission resident in Lesotho also 
questioned the strange coincidence of the dual attacks on 
workers affiliated directly or indirectly with the U.S.-based 
health foundation and suggested motives beyond "political 
animosity" toward former Ministers Malie and Nts'inyi should be 
examined. 
 
¶6.  (SBU) Comment:  The precautions taken at the Chief of 
Mission Residence (CMR) include the presence of the local guard 
force, described as simply a "deterrent."  American citizens 
have been alerted through Consular/Security warnings of the 
assault and political developments following the elections.  It 
is difficult to obtain concrete evidence of the IEC Chair's and 
the diplomat's views, but noteworthy that they both share mutual 
concerns about the proximate causes of these attacks (see 
septel).  Post requests Department's fulfillment of August 2006 
commitment to provide resident RSO in order to reinforce safety 
and security, especially following the February 27 attack and 
recent assault of a young American woman near the Embassy. 
Ambassador has visited the PIH couple and the Embassy continues 
to provide support to them.  End Comment. 
 
PERRY