Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) – The agreement that was reached on October 6 in Madagascar by the movements of the “4 Presidents,” for the implementation of the Maputo Accord (signed in the capital of Mozambique on August 9) still seems shaky. The Maputo Accord, signed by the President of the High Authority of Transitiion and the 2 former Presidents of Madagascar: Marc Ravalomanana, Didier Ratsiraka, and Albert Zafy, calls for the formation of a transitional government of national unity, however it has not yet been formed, as no agreement has been reached on the subdivision of seats by the 4 politicians. “The main obstacle was the nomination of a new Prime Minister, because that the one appointed by Rajoelina, Monja Roindefo, has no intention of leaving his post,” Agenzia Fides was told by an editor from Don Bosco Radio, the most important Catholic radio in Madagascar.
According to the agreement, reached through mediation from the International Contact Group for Madagascar (formed by Jean Ping, President of the Commission of the African Union, and former Mozambican Head of State Joaquim Chissano), Rajoelina would continue being the Transition President. The Prime Minister would be Eugene Mongalaza, from Ratsiraka's party; Vice-President would be Emmanuel Rakotovahiny, who served as Prime Minister during the Presidency of Zafy.
Rajoelina became President of the High Authority of Transition in March 2009, after Ravalomanana resigned, under pressures from the population, supported by several parts of the military. Since then, Ravalomanana has been living in South Africa and claims to still be President, as he was forced to resign under coersion.
“The accord, however, has not yet been signed and troubling signs have been seen,” Fides sources said. “The former President of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana has declared that he is opposed to the continuation of Rajoelina's term as president and the possibility of his entering the presidential race in 2010. Also, the incumbent Prime Minister Monja Roindefo, who will remain in office until the “4 Presidents” sign the most recent accord, has declared in a statement from his party that Rajoelina has betrayed the expectations of the majority of the people who request a renewal of the political class, accepting the nomination of a Prime Minister with ties to the old President Ratsiraka.”
Our source continued: “Monja Roindefo is the head of an important political party in Madagascar, the Monima, that has a fairly large following. His prestige comes from the fact that he is the son of the party's founder, famous for the firmness of his opposition in previous years.”
“However, not only the Prime Minister's party is criticizing the accord. There are also other parties that support Rajoelina, which are trying to take distance from the President of the High Authority of Transition. There are rumors that those that oppose the accord are organizing protest rallies. There is also the hypothesis that there will be a coups, although the military seems to have remained neutral thus far, and has encouraged the political parties to reach an agreement,” Fides' source commented.
“Trying to get the various political forces of Madagascar to agree, however, is difficult. Even the association of the former Presidents, originally formed to oppose Rajoelina, is fragile, as the 3 former Presidents are in conflict with one another. Ratsiraka was sent into exile in Paris by Ravalomanana in 2002, and was condemned to 10 years in jail for corruption; Rafy has never acknowledged Ravalomanana as Head of State. In fact, he continues to refer to him as “Mr. Ravalomanana.” Thus, it is difficult to establish a lasting agreement on such foundations. While the politicians debate amongst themselves, the people are being left to their own devices,” Fides' source concluded. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 8/10/2009)
