Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) - “The political situation continues to be a complicated one, although the High Transition Authority continues its program of substitution of leaders,” Agenzia Fides was told by sources from Radio Don Bosco, the most important Catholic radio station in Madagascar.
On April 16, resigned President Marc Ravalomanana appointed (from Tripoli, Lybia) his new Prime Minister, Manandafy Rakotonirina, in charge of forming a “government of consensus, open to all the national powers.” Ravalomanana affirms that he was forced to sign the document ceding power to the military (which later handed it over to the High Transition Authority, presided by Andry Rajoelina) and claims that he is still the Head of State.
In spite of the support offered Ravalomanana by the international community, especially the African Union and the SADC (Southern African Development Community), the High Transition Authority seems determined to govern the country. “After having completed the list of Ministers for the new government - Fides sources said – the Authority has now begun appointing the new Regional Presidents. Already 8 of the 22 have been appointed and they hope to have the list completed by the end of the week.”
“Among the new Ministers, there are more 'technicians' than politicians. This comes from the fact that there is an urgent need to face the country's problems. The economy, above all, is a major cause of concern. The Prime Minister appointed by the High Authority, Monja Roindefo, has come upon 40 of the top economists in the country, in order to find a plan to re-boost the economy, especially in the area of tourism, which has suffered a heavy blow as a result of the chaos of recent months. Among other decisions that have been made is that of canceling the visas of people who travel to Madagascar for one month's stay and a series of tax breaks for local tourist operations,” Fides sources said.
On a political level, it seems that no solution has been reached in the dispute between Ravalomanana (currently in exile) and the President of the High Transition Authority, Rajoelina, who was the resigned President's main political adversary while he was still in office.
The military has taken over Radio Mada, which belonged to Ravalomanana. On April 17, the Communications Minister sent a letter to the head directors of the station affirming that “the contents of the programs aired on this station tend to incite civil disobedience and weakens the people's confidence in the Republic's institutions.”
Ravalomanana's supporters continue to carry out demonstrations calling for “respect for the law,” although Fides sources comment that “the demonstrations are mainly taking place in the capital, Antananarivo, and in Antsirable, Ravalomanana's estate, where the majority of his economic assets and activity is concentrated.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 20/04/2009)
