Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) - “The army seems to be divided amongst its petty officers, who are a majority and who have direct contact with troops, and a portion of higher-ranking officials, who supported the army's Chief of Staff, General Edmond Rasolofomahandry,” Agenzia Fides was told by sources from Radio Don Bosco, the most influential of the Catholic radios in Madagascar, where the political crisis between President Marc Ravalmanana and the ousted mayor of the capital city of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, has taken a turn with an intervention by the military.
Yesterday, March 10, General Rasolofomahandry gave the ultimatum of 72 hours, for the politicians to resolve the political crisis. “We promise to remain neutral. We implore all political players, civil society organisations and other parties to reunite immediately to find a solution within the next 72 hours to help the nation out of the current crisis,” the General told the national television station. “If a solution is not found after the 72 hours, then we, the armed forces, we will take responsibility for running national affairs and protect the national interest and unity.”
“However, no one knows what will occur once the end of the ultimatum is reached, if no agreement is made,” our sources said. “General Rasolofomahandry also seems to represent officials only.” The situation has taken a turn today, March 11, with the appointment of a new Chief of Staff, General André Andriarijaona.”
“General Andriarijaona represents the petty officers who joined in the military revolt at the CAPSAT (Corps d'Administration des Personnels et Services de l'Armée de Terre) barracks, the most important corps in the nation, which has its base at 6 kilometers from Antananarivo (see Fides 10/3/2009), whose main claim is their refusal to fire on defenseless civilians. The petty officers seem to have obtained the consensus of the majority of the soldiers. In conclusion, the army seems not to support the President, although none of them have made an explicit refusal of the Head of State. However, two camps have been formed: that of the high-ranking officers who support General Rasolofomahandry, Chief of Staff who is no longer recognized by the majority of the petty officers and soldiers, and who has since been replaced by General Andriarijaona. This appointment could also be a sign that the military is uniting around a figure that is supported by the majority of its members,” Fides sources say. “At this point, we will just have to wait and see what happens. The most recent developments are complicating the negotiation process that should begin tomorrow, March 12, also due to the fact that Andry Rajoelina seems to be taking even more distance from President Ravalomanana in his positions. In a message to the nation, Ravalomanana has admitted that he committed errors and seems to have made some concessions to the opposition. However, the President's message was transmitted after the airing of the ultimatum issued by General Rasolofomahandry,” our sources concluded. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 11/3/2009)
