Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) - “In the last two days, new developments seem to have complicated the political crisis in Madagascar,” sources from Don Bosco Radio, the main Catholic radio station in Madagascar, told Agenzia Fides. “Everything has sprung from the canceled meeting that was supposed to be held by the 4 main political formations who signed the Maputo Accord. The meeting should have taking place yesterday, September 13, but it was postponed. It is a bit of a mystery. On September 11, Prime Minister Monja Roindefo announced the postponing of the meeting, due to chaos that had been reported in the capital on September 11 (and later September 12). The President of the High Transitional Authority, Andry Rajoelina, however, said he was willing to participate in the meeting. In the end, the Prime Minister's opinion won out. From this occurrence, it seems a contrast was formed between President Rajoelina and the Prime Minister, something which could have important consequences for the future of politics on the island. According to various observers, in an eventual confrontation between Rajoelina and Monja Roindefo, a determining factor will be the position taken by the military,” Fides sources said.
“Following the canceled meeting with the movement led by Rajoelina, the three political groups, led respectively by former Presidents Ratsiraka, Zafy, and Ravalomanana, decided to start a united front to call for respect for the Maputo Accords. The front sent an ultimatum to Rajoelina, asking that by September 20, a new meeting be held to discuss the application of the Maputo Accords,” Fides sources explained.
The Maputo Accords, signed in the Mozambican capital in August, by the 4 movements of Madagascar, calls for the creation of a transitional government of national union with the task of preparing new elections in 15 months. “The major obstacle in the application of the accords is the distribution of posts among the 4 movements. In particular, former President Ravalomanana is opposed to the fact that Rajoelina remain President. However, it is also true that a consensus seems to be emerging to maintain Rajoelina as President, but change the Prime Miniester. This is probably one of the reasons for the conflict between Rajoelina and Monja Roindefo, who is at the head of an executive committee formed last week in open contrast to what was established by the Maputo Accords (see Fides 9/9/2009),” Fides sources add.
In the meantime, groups who are apposed to the movement of Rajoelina and Monja Roindefo continue to hold demonstrations. The most recent ones took place last weekend and led to clashes with the police. “The demonstrations of recent days were not attended by those who normally participate in the protests against Rajoelina, but instead by young people, probably organized by someone, who took to the streets in spite of their lack of permission from authorities. The police have intervened to break up demonstrators with tear gas. The youth, among whom there are probably many hooligans, broke out in acts of vandalism on the street and the businesses. The police carried out a series of arrests,” Fides sources said. “Both Ratsikara and Zafy have rejected any association with the demonstrations and added that they sent no one on their behalf.” (LM) (Agenzia 14/9/2009)
