Rajoelina promises stability - Madagascar may now get democracy

March 19th, 2009  

A member of the Madagascar military guards at the entrance of the presidential palace outside the capital Antananarivo March 18, 2009. Madagascar risked criticism from around the world on Wednesday after a swift change of leaders that flouted the Indian Ocean island's constitution. Photo/REUTERS 

Madagascar’s new president, Andry Rajoelina, celebrated and consolidated power today after being appointed by the Indian Ocean island’s military in a move that drew international disapproval.

Mr Rajoelina, 34, a former disc jockey, partied with supporters in the street after meeting his ministers to plan strategy.

The priorities for Africa’s newest leader are anti-poverty programmes demanded by locals, handling international concerns at his rise and controlling some dissent in the armed forces.

“We will bring about the return to a normal life, to security and above all national reconciliation, which is at the heart of democracy,” he told several thousand supporters celebrating in the capital Antananarivo’s May 13 square.

The takeover

In a boost to Mr Rajoelina’s legitimacy, Madagascar’s Constitutional Court issued a statement endorsing the takeover.

He is to be formally sworn in on Saturday.

President Marc Ravalomanana resigned on Tuesday after most of the military backed his rival, who had led weeks of anti-government strikes and protests.

The worst unrest in years killed at least 135 people, devastated the $390 million-a-year tourism sector and worried multinationals with investments in the mining and oil industries.

The outcome was also a slap in the face for the African Union (AU), which has censured recent violent transfers of power that have damaged the continent’s reputation with investors.

Nervous of more turmoil, the US embassy ordered non-essential staff and their families to leave Madagascar.

Experts said Western donors’ disquiet at the manner of Rajoelina’s rise would be short-term.

“With so many people below the poverty line I can’t see the international community abandoning Madagascar in the long run, and (Rajoelina) knows this,” Lydie Boka, of Paris-based risk group StrategiCo, told Reuters.

While the military was crucial in installing the opposition leader, analysts say he also has the backing of exiled former president Didier Ratsiraka and his allies.

Some analysts said former colonial ruler France gave him tacit support too.

Mr Ravalomanana’s whereabouts were unclear. The opposition had accused him of corruption and of losing touch with the majority of the population who live on less than $2 a day.

There was a heavy military presence at the palace where Mr Ravalomanana capitulated. A Reuters TV witness saw broken windows and furniture, as well as a crowbar lodged in the door of a safe. It was not clear whether departing presidential guards, the army or the public had ransacked the building.

According to Malagasy law, the head of parliament’s upper house should have taken over after the president’s resignation and organised an election within two months on the island of 20 million off Africa’s southeastern coast. (Reuters)

Source.nation.ke