VZCZCXRO4018
OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHRN
DE RUEHMR #0188 1781551
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 261551Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY MASERU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3740
INFO RUCNSAD/SADC COLLECTIVE
RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU 4159

UNCLAS MASERU 000188 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S, DS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV ECON ASEC LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO: POLITICAL OPPOSITION SUPPORTS TAXI STRIKE 
 
REF: A) MASERU 185; B) MASERU 163 AND PREVIOUS 
 
¶1. (U) SUMMARY:  On June 25, the leaders of Lesotho's primary 
opposition parties held a press conference to express their 
support for the June 30 nationwide transport sector strike 
planned by the Maseru Region Transport Association (ref A). 
Various opposition speakers urged the public to observe the 
protest action as a general strike, and vented a grab bag of 
complaints against the GOL.  Local observers describe transport 
operators as "agitated" and not inclined to negotiate further. 
Contacts within the GOL expressed confidence that the dispute 
would be resolved without undue disruption in the capital. 
There is no indication, however, that the MRTA intends to alter 
its plans for a disruptive protest on June 30.  END SUMMARY. 
 
-------------------------- 
Opposition Supports Strike 
-------------------------- 
 
¶2. (U) On June 25, the leaders of Lesotho's primary opposition 
parties held a press conference at Lakeside Hotel in Maseru to 
express their support for a nationwide transport sector strike 
(ref A) planned by the Maseru Region Transport Association 
(MRTA).  All Basotho Convention Leader Thomas Thabane called for 
all citizens to stay home for the duration of the strike, 
planned for June 30-July 3, and "relax and enjoy quality time 
with family."  Lesotho Workers Party leader Maceafa Billy also 
urged the general public not to work during the strike "for the 
ultimate benefit of Basotho society."  Dr. Majara Molapo of the 
Basotho National Party made pointed criticisms claiming that 
Prime Minister Mosisili is unwilling to listen to the 
"grievances of the Basotho people."  Marematlou Freedom Party 
leader Vincent Malebo and octogenarian leader of the contested 
National Independent Party Anthony Manyeli also spoke in support 
of the transportation sector's protest action. 
 
------------------ 
A Stunted Dialogue 
------------------ 
 
¶3. (U) On June 26, Minister of Communications Metsing, Minister 
of Transportation Chakela, and Minister in the Prime Minister's 
Office Phooko held a meeting with MRTA representatives 
facilitated by the Lesotho Council of NGOs (LCN) and the 
Transformation Resource Center (TRC).  Embassy contacts within 
the MRTA told Emboff that the meeting was inconclusive and the 
organization still intends to proceed with its protest action on 
June 30. 
 
------------------------------ 
Unofficial Government Reaction 
------------------------------ 
 
¶4. (SBU) Embassy conversations with GOL officials on the 
situation revealed varied assessments of the situation.  Deputy 
Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs Thabang Lekhela believes 
that the protest action will go forward and cause limited 
disruption on the morning of June 30.  He commented that those 
who wish to work would do so, and by mid-morning, Maseru should 
return to normal.  He stated that the GOL would continue to 
provide security, and those who stay home from work would do so 
for "political" rather than security reasons.  Principal 
Secretary of Communications Tseliso Mokela was dismissive of the 
planned protest action, expressing confidence that the GOL will 
resolve the matter quickly, intimating that a dialogue would 
obviate the need for strike action. 
 
------------------------------ 
No Change Yet in Protest Plans 
------------------------------ 
 
¶5. (U) COMMENT:  Local observers assess the mood of transport 
operators as "agitated."  Despite the GOL's apparent confidence 
that dialogue will resolve the MRTA's grievances, there are no 
signs the transport association will alter its plans for a 
disruptive protest on June 30.  END COMMENT. 
 
MURPHY