Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) – The political crisis in Madagascar has once again taken another turn. Former President Marc Ravalomanana has launched an appeal to the people of Madagascar, asking that they “save the country,” affirming that Andry Rajoelina, who swore in as President of the provisional government, has carried out a “coups d'etat.” Ravalomanana has launched his appeal from Swaziland, where he was received by King Mswati III. Ravalomanana was scheduled to participate in the Summit Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which will take place this coming week in Swaziland.
Mswati III presides the so-called “troika” of security of the SADC, which is taking care of the Zimbabwe crisis.
The former President has launched his message in a broadcast from Swaziland to a group of supporters gathered in a park in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. According to sources, the pro-Ravalomanana demonstrators are between 8-10 thousand in number. This is the third consecutive rally to be held by the supporters since March 23. They are calling for Ravalomanana's return to power, but there are also others who propose a “third option,” and are awaiting the arrival of a new leader in the posts of Ravalomanana and Rajoelina. Rajoelina took over power from a military directive team appointed by Ravalomanana upon his resignation (see Fides 23/3/2009).
In the meantime, a nationalmeeting has been announced for April 2-3, which invites “all social actors, political parties, and forces in the country,” said Telecommunications Minister Augustin Andriamananoro.
The meeting should establish the data for the presidential elections, drafting of the electoral law, and formulating the points to be addressed in the drafting of the new Constitution. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 25/3/2009)
