Region / country
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57 results found
Items 1 - 50 of 57
Madagascar
| 1 May 2013
Malagasy Council of Churches (FFKM) 18 April launched national dialogue involving 180 political parties and entities to solve political crisis; UN, AU criticised FFKM mediation for broaching idea of postponing elections on first day of dialogue. Newly-created National Council for Reconciliation 10 April named General Rabotoarison to lead reconciliation efforts. Mouvance Ravalomanana coalition 14 April announced nomination of former first lady Lalao Ravalomanana as candidate for upcoming presidential elections; President Rajoelina’s Tanora malaGasy Vonona (TGV) party 6 April nominated outsider Edgard Razafindravahy as candidate. Head of gendarmerie said security forces need €2.5 million to ensure peaceful elections.
Madagascar
| 1 Apr 2013
President Rajoelina 13 March announced legislative elections to be held 7 May.
Madagascar
| 1 Mar 2013
National electoral commission (CENIT) 5 Feb announced legislative and presidential elections postponed from May to July; over 30 candidates expected to contest presidential polls. South Africa’s highest court 5 Feb rejected final appeal by former president Ravalomanana to have passport returned, effectively precluding him from attending regional meetings or returning to Madagascar. AU Peace and Security Council 16 Feb rejected request from govt to reintegrate country into organisation. Tensions in south continued: at least 10 killed, 1,200 cattle stolen, 153 houses burned in clashes between Dahalo cattle-raiders and villagers in Amboasary-sud district.
Madagascar
| 1 Feb 2013
Transitional President Rajoelina 15 Jan said would not contest upcoming elections but will stand in 2018 polls; UNSG Ban 17 Jan welcomed decision, reiterated importance of upholding electoral calendar. President of Lower House Mamy Rakotoarivelo said Rajoelina hoping to set up a “Putin-Medvedev scheme” by supporting ally in presidential election in hope it will secure him nomination as PM.
Madagascar
| 30 Dec 2012
SADC heads of state summit 8 Dec endorsed “ni-ni” option, meaning neither transitional President Rajoelina nor former president Ravalomanana can run in May-July 2013 elections. Following 10 Dec meeting with SADC troika chair Tanzanian President Kikwete, Ravalomanana 11 Dec announced decision not to contest elections; Kikwete 14 Dec met with Rajoelina to dissuade him from running, but agreement with Rajoelina not confirmed. UN 28 Dec said it will launch investigations into allegations of extra-judicial killings and mob lynchings in southern region Anosy since start of military’s Operation Tandroka against cattle rustlers in Sept; EU envoy Tezapsidis late-month expressed concern insecurity in south could affect preparations for polls. Govt 20 Dec declared state of emergency in capital due to increased number of armed assaults.
Madagascar
| 1 Dec 2012
SADC 25 Nov condemned recent human rights violations, crackdown on freedom of expression by govt. Supporters of former president Ravalomanana 15 Nov criticised govt’s “authoritarian drift”. Amnesty International 20 Nov called on govt to rein in security forces in south who are accused of mass killings. Christian churches council 26 Nov began new mediation/reconciliation process aimed at bringing political roadmap signatories to negotiating table.
Madagascar
| 1 Nov 2012
SADC consultation mission visited mid-month to assess roadmap implementation, feasibility of holding elections in May 2013. SADC military mission 15 Oct visited to assess security conditions in view of former president Ravalomanana’s return, met with detained soldiers. Security forces reportedly burned down 16 villages in south suspected of harbouring dahalo cattle-rustlers.
Madagascar
| 1 Oct 2012
Govt mid-Sept deployed special forces in south following killing of at least 100 suspected Dahalo cattle-raiders in attacks by villagers 31 Aug-1 Sept, killing of 3 soldiers in Belo sur Tsiribihina 4-5 Sept by suspected Dahalos. Suspected Dahalos 14 Sept attacked Ihasy, Ibity villages in Antsirabe II District. Media 7 Sept reported 3 pro-opposition journalists sought refuge in S African embassy to escape security forces. Transitional President Rajoelina 26 Sept “allowed to travel” to NY to attend UNGA following early Sept refusal of visa by U.S. consulate.
Madagascar
| 1 Sep 2012
SADC heads of state summit in Maputo 17-18 Aug called on mediator to “intensify” engagement on implementation of election roadmap. 26 July, 8 Aug meetings between transitional President Rajoelina, former president Ravalomanana failed to resolve impasse. CENIT 2 Aug announced presidential elections to be held 8 May 2013; Seychelles FM Jean-Paul Adam 18 Aug said SADC considering holding elections “without Rajoelina and Ravalomanana”. South African National Prosecuting Authority 4 Aug said will investigate Ravalomanana for crimes against humanity. SADC late Aug reportedly sent mission to evaluate on-the-ground security conditions in view of Ravalomanana’s return. 3 injured 25 Aug in Analakely hotel bombing reportedly targeting military officer.
Madagascar
| 1 Aug 2012
SADC 16 July issued 31 July deadline for President Rajoelina, former president Ravalomanana to finalise outstanding roadmap issues; rivals 25 July met without reaching agreement. Ravalomanana’s wife deported to Thailand 27 July following attempt to return to Madagascar; Ravalomanana said Rajoelina untrustworthy, deportation “flagrant violation” of resolutions reached during talks; SADC 31 July condemned attempt to return. Attempted mutiny successfully quashed by army 22 July; lead mutineer, negotiator killed; opposition radio station Free FM 24 July closed citing military intimidation for having broadcast mutineers’ statements. Ravalomanana served with summons 17 July for South African lawsuit filed by victims of 2009 violence leading to his overthrow. Rajoelina 18 July suspended 5 pro-Ravalomanana ministers over 3-month boycott of cabinet meetings.
Madagascar
| 1 Jul 2012
At 1 June Troika summit, SADC called for urgent meeting between transitional President Rajoelina, former President Ravalomanana, 15 June threatened their exclusion from future talks if negotiations failed; leaders 15 June reportedly agreed to meet in Luanda 4 July. UN electoral mission report 8 June recommended May/June 2013 polls; Rajoelina, election commission appealed to UN to support 2012 polls. 4 suspects, including 2 army officers, arrested following alleged 8 June coup plot. Govt forces 20 June began assault on bandits in Befotaka following series of attacks. 11 bodies, suspected policemen, discovered 19 June in SW following 9 June military clash with armed ox rustlers.
Madagascar
| 1 Jun 2012
Transitional President Rajoelina 18 May met UNSG Ban in New York, announced willingness to forge political agreement with former president Ravalomanana, hold elections soon, said Ravalomanana not allowed to participate in polls; Ravalomanana cautioned against poll prior to his return, supporters boycotted transitional govt meetings throughout month. Transitional electoral commission 29 May announced “partial” electoral calendar, deferred decision on election date to Aug. SADC Troika 11 May called for amnesties for all political exiles including Ravalomanana, end to transitional roadmap implementation stalemate. Police 19 May violently dispersed protesters demonstrating against media crackdown following 2 May detention of 2 journalists, several arrested. U.S. State Dept 2011 human rights report, released 24 May, labelled transitional govt “illegal”, condemned widespread unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests.
Madagascar
| 1 May 2012
Transitional parliament 13 April adopted 2 amnesty laws, provisions exclude former President Ravalomanana due to Aug 2010 conviction for deaths in Feb 2009 violence. Ravalomanana’s supporters boycotted vote, sent letter of complaint to SADC Troika; 28 April protested law, demonstrations violently dispersed by police. Former president Zafy accused transitional President Rajoelina of involvement in “Rosewood” illegal logging scandal, called for his resignation following 13 April sacking of Environment and Forestry Minister Randriamiarisoa over reported “mishandling” of affair, no replacement yet named for ministry. Close confidante to President Zafy, Mamy Ravatomanga, sued Randriamiarisoa for alleging Ravatomanga’s involvement in illegal logging.
Madagascar
| 1 Apr 2012
Fears of further military uprisings following 7 March mutiny over salary arrears at CAPSAT Soanierana camp. SADC 14 March gave govt 2 weeks to finalise amnesty law allowing return of former President Ravalomanana; transitional govt 29 March tabled bill for amnesty law; heated debates expected in Parliament from 3 April. Govt 15 March unveiled new transitional electoral commission; civil society orgs said not independent, unrepresentative. Court 22 March condemned Colonel Andrianasoavina and others for attempted Nov 2010 coup d’état, acquitted former International Court of Justice VP Raymond Ranjeva.
Madagascar
| 1 Mar 2012
President Rajoelina faced resistance as members of govt, including PM Beriziky, judiciary early Feb reportedly privately called for his resignation amidst growing pressure to implement SADC elections roadmap. Govt missed 29 Feb SADC deadline to adopt amnesty law allowing ousted President Ravalomana’s return. Police 6 Feb raided home of Ravalomanana’s son, suspected of drugs and arms trafficking; First Lady Lalao Ravalomanana denied return from South Africa 2 days earlier under Transport ministry ban.
Madagascar
| 1 Feb 2012
Former president Ravalomanana 21 Jan failed to return from self-imposed exile in South Africa; political allies withdrew from consensus govt in protest. Regional mediators 26 Jan demanded Madagascar allow Ravalomanana to safely return by end of Feb.
Madagascar
| 2 Jan 2012
AU Peace and Security Commission 9 Dec announced lifting of sanctions on President Andry Rajoelina, indicating satisfaction with efforts to set up consensus govt, urged former Presidents Albert Zafy and Ratsiraka to sign Peace and Reconciliation accord.
Madagascar
| 1 Dec 2011
New PM Omer Beriziky 2 Nov took office as part of Sept political roadmap. Opposition 21 Nov split over new unity govt as 3 of 5 opposition party members rejected cabinet posts; 23 Nov accepted participation in govt, requested further SADC intervention in govt composition. Former President Ratsikara 24 Nov returned after 9 year exile.
Madagascar
| 1 Nov 2011
PM Vital and interim govt resigned 18 Oct under terms of political road map signed Sept by main political parties, paving way for elections within a year; Omer Beriziky appointed PM by President of High Transitional Authority Andry Rajoelina 28 Oct.
Madagascar
| 1 Oct 2011
Apparent breakthrough as SADC negotiators 17 Sept announced all parties signed roadmap for formation of transitional authority, elections within 12 months. But scepticism over whether signatories will respect deal following previous failed agreements, deep mutual mistrust. Deal includes amnesty for ousted president Ravalomana, but Justice Minister 18 Sept said Ravalomana would be imprisoned if he returns.
Madagascar
| 1 Sep 2011
17-18 Aug SADC summit resulted in reaffirmed “commitment to supporting the mediation process”, mandated Troika and Mediator Joaquim Chissano to support implementation of roadmap. Chissano earlier announced conditions do not currently exist for free and fair elections, elections should be supervised by UN.
Madagascar
| 1 Aug 2011
Following failure of June SADC call for unconditional return of ousted president Marc Ravalomanana, SADC mediator Joaquim Chissano continued to argue Ravalomanana’s return necessary for inclusive resolution to political crisis. AU Peace and Security Council meeting early July did not secure resolution on this or election roadmap, but inferred agreement would be reached shortly. De facto leader Rajoelina continuing with preparations for elections including voter registration process, despite concerns over partisan nature of Independent Electoral Commission. Reflecting frustration with international mediation efforts, civil society calling for intra-Malagasy dialogue. UN Special Rapporteur on Right to Food 22 July urged review of sanctions against Madagascar, warning country facing major humanitarian crisis.
Madagascar
| 1 Jul 2011
SADC renewed efforts to broker agreement acceptable to all parties including coup leader Andry Rajoelina and ousted president Ravalomanana. Meeting in Gaborone, Botswana 6 June, Madagascar leaders failed to achieve consensus on Rajoelina’s candidature in prospective election and Ravalomanana’s return to country. SADC heads of state 11-12 June issued communiqué effectively endorsing roadmap with proposed amendments, including unconditional right of return for Ravalomanana and other political exiles; in return, SADC to recognize Rajoelina, effectively allowing him to lead transitional govt until polls. But High Authority of the Transition (HAT) and its military support base rejected amended SADC roadmap; Rajoelina said will proceed to elections with or without international recognition. In later permutation, SADC proposed amendment that would place responsibility on HAT to establish favourable political and security conditions for return of exiles.
Madagascar
| 1 Jun 2011
De facto leader Andry Rajoelina early month visited Europe, Southern Africa to rally support for High Authority of the Transition (HAT) election plans; announced he would run in presidential elections, reversing previous pledge not to stand, said elections must take place this year. Former president Zafy’s Rodobe movement instigated daily rallies starting in Anosy 18 May aiming to reclaim public control of transition. 19-20 May SADC summit communiqué called for all-inclusive political process to find lasting solution in June. All parties claim communiqué favours their position.
Madagascar
| 1 May 2011
De facto leader Andry Rajoelina 20 Apr returned from series of talks with leaders in Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia. Follows 31 March meeting in Zambia where SADC Troika postponed its decision on SADC mediators’ roadmap, recommended extraordinary summit of all regional heads; date yet to be announced.
Madagascar
| 1 Apr 2011
Political uncertainty prevailed as only 8 out of 11 political movements 9 March initialled road map to end political crisis prepared by Southern African Development Community (SADC) mediator. 3 main political opposition groups, with exception of some individual members, refused to sign proposal. In line with road map PM Camille Vital and govt resigned 10 March; de facto leader Rajoelina 16 March reappointed Vital, 26 March named new govt; rejected by opposition. Meanwhile Rajoelina escaped 3 March road side bomb attack unhurt; opposition leader Mamy Rakotoarivelo accused of instigating attack, arrested 17 March.
Madagascar
| 1 Mar 2011
Opposition submitted amendments to SADC road map saying version presented end Jan favoured de facto authority; SADC mediation 18 Feb sent first revised roadmap to all parties, arrived in Antananarivo 21 Feb to continue negotiations. Ex-president Ravalomanana 15 Feb said he would return from exile to find solution to political crisis despite warrant for his arrest, but authorities 19 Feb prevented his attempted entry.
Madagascar
| 1 Feb 2011
De facto authorities, ex-President Ravalomanana in New Year speeches signalled readiness for compromise on transition govt. SADC mediators 31 Jan presented road map suggesting possible breakthrough in political stalemate. In statements to press Charles Andrianasoavina, leader of March 2009 mutiny which brought de facto leader Rajoelina to power, acknowledged coup was instigated by specially paid soldiers, not due to popular uprising. Ravalomanana 20 Jan lodged complaint with judicial authorities against “authors and accomplices” of 2009 coup.
Madagascar
| 3 Jan 2011
De facto leader Andry Rajoelina 11 Dec promulgated new constitution, “fourth republic” following Nov referendum, still not recognised by international community and rejected by 3 main opposition groups. Mid-month SADC mission attempting to reactivate negotiations between de facto authorities and opposition, and commission an international mediation local liaison office, declined to comment on new constitution. World Food Programme 11 Dec warned 720,000 people at risk of starvation in south following 2-year drought. U.S. cable dated June 2009 published by WikiLeaks reported former president Ravalomanana recruiting mercenaries in France 3 months after being deposed by Rajoelina.
Madagascar
| 1 Dec 2010
Month saw continued attempts by regime to implement unilateral transition, increasing suppression of opposition and attempted military coup. Ahead of 17 Nov referendum on new constitution, seen as attempt to legitimate current regime, 3 main opposition groups organised rallies protesting vote; 21 demonstrators arrested 10 Nov. Referendum saw strong approval for new constitution with 74% in favour, turnout at 53% despite opposition parties’ call for boycott, but observers noted several irregularities, opposition called for cancellation of vote. Group of some 20 dissident military officers proclaimed coup on day of referendum, surrendered 20 Nov after 3 days of talks and army assault; soldiers behind coup attempt arrested during military operation. SADC reiterated refusal to recognise referendum held "unilaterally" by Rajoelina govt outside internationally mediated agreements, sent envoy 26 Nov. U.S. announced before referendum would not recognise result. EU foreign affairs chief Ashton refused to send EU observers, joined calls for resumption of Malagasy dialogue, govt of national unity. International community "interference" rejected by Rajoelina in early Nov speech. Hundreds of protesters 20 Nov demonstrated against 20 Dec municipal elections; govt announced postponement of polls for "political and technical reasons".
Madagascar
| 1 Nov 2010
Authorities proceeding with transition based on 13 Aug Ivato agreement: 2 Oct finalised new constitutional proposal ahead of 17 Nov referendum; installed new parliament, with members nominated from signatories of Ivato accord. Supporters of de facto leader Andry Rajoelina dominate both chambers of parliament; party of former president Ravalomanana occupies 21 of 90 Higher Council seats. Main opposition parties continue to deny legitimacy of Ivato agreement, new parliament. Some 1,000 rallied in support of opposition 18 Oct, forcing postponement of trial of several opposition leaders over bomb planting charges. Strike also continued in Toamasina port, Antananarivo university. Ravalomanana spokesman 18 Oct announced Ravalomanana and former President Didier Ratsiraka, could soon return from exile to seek solution to ongoing political crisis. Govt 6 Oct said will revive economy without help of foreign aid. UN delegation visited Madagascar 17-24 Oct to evaluate political situation.
Madagascar
| 1 Oct 2010
13-18 Sept national conference attended by some 4,000 civil society members and politicians; boycotted by opposition. Participants agreed de facto leader Rajoelina to remain as transitional president and appoint PM from coastal regions, mayors and regional chiefs to be replaced through elections 20 Dec; 2 legislative chambers to be set up for rest of transition; minimum age to run in presidential elections reduced from 40 to 35; selective amnesty covering 2002-2008. National civil society umbrella group said conference should have been delayed until political agreement was reached, is preparing another round of mediation and possibly a second national conference; position supported by international mediator Joaquim Chissano. Cabinet passed revised finance law allocating $100mn received from Chinese mining company directly to president’s office.
Madagascar
| 1 Sep 2010
Following late-July civil society agreement to organise national conference, de facto leader Rajoelina invited coalition of some 90 political parties which had convened to reach political agreement for talks 9-11 Aug. Agreement signed 13 Aug sets dates for constitutional referendum 17 Nov, parliamentary elections 16 March and first round of presidential polls 4 May; Rajoelina to remain in power until new president elected, will appoint consensual PM from list provided by political parties. Number of signatories grew to some 160 over course of month. 3 main opposition parties yet to agree, boycotted discussions, organised conference to find common position. Civil society organised talks between coalition of parties and opposition but talks collapsed 27 Aug. Planned national dialogue postponed from end-Aug to 13 Sept. SADC stated support for national dialogue, announced creation of office to support it, but maintained sanctions. Political parties 22 Aug submitted proposed names for PM to Rajoelina. Former president Ravalomanana sentenced in absentia to life hard labour 27 Aug for Feb 2009 killings by presidential guards of Rajoelina supporters. Verdict rejected by Ravalomanana; observers fear ruling may complicate resolution of crisis.
Madagascar
| 1 Aug 2010
No breakthrough in political impasse. SADC evaluation mission met with all major protagonists 4-8 July; head of SADC mediation team Joaquim Chissano arrived 22 July to continue efforts, reiterated all options remained open, not limited to prior agreements in Maputo and Addis Ababa. National Coordination of Civil Society Organisations (CNOSC) late month issued founding declaration: aims to end crisis through national mediation, rebuild country through comprehensive, all-inclusive consultation and reconciliation. Justice Minister dismissed pleas by ACP-EU parliamentary delegation 10-11 July to release all political prisoners, denied political detentions.
Madagascar
| 1 Jul 2010
Political deadlock remained as de facto leader Rajoelina continued to pursue own unilateral transition plan. Constitutional referendum scheduled for 12 Aug postponed indefinitely 29 June because new draft constitution not yet finalised. Joaquim Chissano, head of SADC mediation team, 12 June said lack of political will on part of 4 main negotiating parties was hampering attempts to break impasse but insisted regional mediation efforts would continue. EU 7 June announced suspension of political dialogue and non-humanitarian aid for further year citing de facto govt’s failure to restore constitutional order.
Madagascar
| 1 Jun 2010
Interim President Rajoelina 1 May declared Apr Pretoria talks failure; announced constitution of neutral govt after 3-4 May meetings with army; army had issued 1-month ultimatum for roadmap to end political crisis. In state address Rajoelina 12 May said he would not run for president in next elections; reportedly due to army and international pressure. President also announced organisation of national dialogue 27-29 May (later postponed), constitutional referendum 12 Aug, legislative elections 30 Sept and presidential elections 26 Nov, and requested exclusion of ex-presidents from polls. Govt reshuffled on 24 May to become “neutral” but only 10 new ministers (out of 32) including 5 members of army. At least 3 killed in 20 May clashes between national army mutineers and loyalists in Antananarivo; army re-established order same day; mutineers allegedly supported by Protestant pastors present during clashes and ousted President Ravalomanana; Ravalomanana 22 May denied charges.
Madagascar
| 1 May 2010
28-30 Apr talks hosted by South African President Zuma between de facto leader Rajoelina and former President Ravalomanana failed to produce agreement on breaking political deadlock; talks to resume mid May. Former Presidents Ratsiraka, Zafy also attended. Army 12 Apr presented govt with end Apr deadline to produce roadmap for solution to crisis. 17 people accused of fomenting a coup and arrested 18 Apr alleged they had been paid by Ravalomanana; his supporters rejected accusation as attempt derail talks. Armed Forces Minister Gen. Rakotonandrasana sacked early Apr for allegedly planning coup after March meeting with top military officials.
Madagascar
| 1 Apr 2010
AU Peace and Security Council imposed sanctions on de facto leader Rajoelina and 108 of his supporters after its 17 March deadline expired without progress on formation of unity govt. Opposition supporters held rallies mid month demanding implementation of 2009 power-sharing agreements; police fired tear gas, arrested several protestors. Following AU sanctions announcement, High Authority of the Transition (HAT) recommended travel bans, asset freezes for opposition members, refused to authorise future demonstrations. Govt roadmap for planned May elections confirmed during 2-day conference held early month; 3 main opposition parties, though invited, refused to participate.
Madagascar
| 1 Mar 2010
Main opposition groups 5 Feb backed AU Commission Chair Jean Ping’s Jan compromise solution aimed at implementing existing Maputo and Addis Ababa power-sharing deals. De facto leader Rajoelina 5 Feb announced “transparent” parliamentary elections would be postponed from 20 March to late May. AU 2 Feb called on “the illegal regime” to stop acting unilaterally and implement power-sharing deals. International Contact Group 18 Feb and AU Peace and Security Council 19 Feb announced govt had 1 month to implement deals before sanctions. FM Ny Hasina Andriamanjato resigned 10 Feb over dispute on implementation of Maputo deal; Rajoelina 24 Feb appointed Admiral Hyppolite Ramaroson as replacement.
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Madagascar
| 1 Feb 2010
AU Commission Chair Jean Ping visited country 21-22 Jan to present compromise solution to Rajoelina, opposition leaders: plan includes return to Maputo framework and elections Oct 2010 at latest. Late month reports de facto leader Rajoelina had postponed 20 March elections; Rajoelina to meet with several political parties to discuss setting new date before Nov. Followed Rajoelina’s 22 Jan rejection of calls to reinstate power-sharing govt, calling power-sharing “the source” of current political crisis. Rajoelina govt held national workshop 6-7 Jan in preparation for elections. Opposition politician Fetison Andrianirina said warrant for his arrest in connection to 2009 foiled bomb attacks politically motivated. Security forces used tear gas to break up 6 Jan opposition protest calling Rajoelina’s Dec installation of new PM illegal.
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Madagascar
| 4 Jan 2010
Prospects for negotiated solution to leadership crisis deteriorated. Former presidents Zafy, Ratsiraka and Ravalomanana met in Maputo 3-8 Dec under auspices of SADC-appointed mediator Joaquim Chissano, issuing resolutions distributing ministerial portfolios between parties. De facto leader Rajoelina boycotted negotiations, alleged moves tantamount to coup, rejected further power-sharing talks and announced he could not guarantee the 3 former leaders’ security in Madagascar. Rajoelina 18 Dec issued “presidential decree” firing consensus PM, naming loyal army colonel in his place and annulling previous power-sharing accords. Followed by anti-Rajoelina protests outside National Assembly. U.S. 23 Dec announced trade benefits to Madagascar, under African Growth and Opportunity Act, terminated along with Guinea and Niger over “undemocratic transfers of power”.
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Madagascar
| 1 Dec 2009
Formation of interim govt again faltered amid continuing stand-off between rival political groupings. Political leaders met in Addis Ababa 3-6 Nov under auspices of International Contact Group, holding tense negotiations on post of interim president following ex-president Ravalomanana’s strong objections to de facto leader Andry Rajoelina’s claim. Compromise deal struck 6 Nov, assigning Rajoelina the presidency and creating Presidential Council including 2 co-presidents to be filled by representatives of Ravalomanana and ex-president Zafy. Subsequent statements indicated clear disagreement between parties on co-presidents’ powers. Distribution of cabinet posts and formation of interim govt repeatedly postponed over month amid dispute over control of 5 key ministries. AU 7 Nov stressed Madagascar’s suspension would not be lifted until interim govt in place.
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Madagascar
| 1 Nov 2009
Tentative progress towards formation of interim unity govt. International Contact Group convened 6 Oct, reiterated call on country’s 4 rival political leaders to abide by Aug Maputo power-sharing deal. Agreement reached same day on key sticking point of executive posts, providing for de facto leader Andry Rajoelina to take interim presidency, Emmanuel Rakotovahiny (ex-president Zafy ally) as VP, and Eugene Mangalaza (close to ex-president Ratsiraka) as PM. Followed agreement struck in Paris between Rajoelina and Ratsiraka on PM post. Ousted president Ravalomanana immediately reiterated rejection of Rajoelina’s presidency, forced postponement of talks set for Geneva by insisting meeting be held in Africa.
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Madagascar
| 1 Oct 2009
Aug power-sharing deal in tatters after Andry Rajoelina 8 Sept unilaterally formed “national unity” government, claiming presidency and appointing 31 mostly staunch supporters to cabinet posts; opposition parties denounced move and offer of participation. Regional and international bodies leading mediation effort immediately rejected “any unilateral solution”, called for new talks. Followed by further protests in the capital in support of ousted President Ravalomanana; forcefully dispersed by police. Transitional govt PM Roindefo 29 Sept said Madagascar may withdraw from SADC after group blocked Rajoelina from speaking at UNGA.
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Madagascar
| 1 Sep 2009
Talks to break political crisis held in Mozambique over month under auspices of SADC-appointed mediator Joaqim Chissano. Transitional authority leader Rajoelina, ousted president Ravalomanana and ex-presidents Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy 9 Aug signed agreement to form power-sharing transitional govt by 8 Sept deadline, and hold national elections within 15 months. Progress quickly faltered over issue of govt leadership after Rajoelina 14 Aug announced his right to lead govt, rejected by Ravalomanana. Second round of talks – dubbed Maputo II – ended 28 Aug without agreement.
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Madagascar
| 1 Aug 2009
2 killed in explosion and 20 other devices reportedly discovered across capital 19 July in what national leader Rajoelina described as botched terrorist attack. Rajoelina’s administration 21 July issued arrest warrants for 5 senior former officials from ousted president Ravalomanana’s govt, withdrew from 22 July international contact group meeting. Talks proceeded in Addis Ababa with delegations from former presidents Ravalomanana and Didier Ratsiraka; SADC chief mediator Joaquin Chissano and UN mediator Tieblile Drame visited capital 28 July, announcing all 4 key groups had agreed to meet for talks in Mozambique early Aug. Rajoelina in early-month visit to Brussels failed to convince EU leaders to unblock €600m in EU aid, with EU dismissing Rajoelina’s “roadmap” for political transition as unconstitutional. FM 8 July announced country would hold elections before end 2009 “if means were available”.
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Madagascar
| 1 Jul 2009
UN- and AU-mediated talks between political leadership collapsed 16 June over amnesty clause to facilitate return of former presidents Ravalomanana and Ratsiraka, rejected by current leader Rajoelina. Followed verdict by Antananarivo court sentencing Ravalomanana – currently in South Africa – to 4 years and $70m fine for corruption; former finance minister Haja Razafinjatovo also sentenced. SADC leaders convened 20 June for emergency summit in Johannesburg, announced new coordinated international strategy to broker negotiated solution, appointed former Mozambican president Chissano to lead dialogue. Regional bloc COMESA 8 June stated military intervention to restore constitutional order should not be ruled out; France and UN envoy Tiebile Drame condemned statement; Armed Forces Minister Rakotonandrasana announced military on maximum alert. In Antananarivo, pro-Ravalomanana protests held in Tiko and Magro stores over month; 11 June street protest forcefully dispersed by police amid continued ban on public assembly.
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Madagascar
| 1 Jun 2009
Standoff between current and former Malagasy leaders continued, with no concrete progress in talks or setting date for fresh presidential elections. International contact group, leading talks with representatives of Rajoelina and 3 former presidents, early-May called for former leaders to be barred from upcoming elections. Contact group later retracted call, 23 May announced possible deal allowing all to contest elections, 14 month transition period, creation of new truth and reconciliation commission into political violence. But influential former president Ratsiraka withdrew from talks days later, demanding guarantees of amnesty for supporters; ousted president Ravalomanana followed suit, conditioned participation in further talks on guarantees for return from exile, liberation of political prisoners. Ravalomanana in 26 May media interview accused France of backing “putschist” Rajoelina govt.
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Madagascar
| 1 May 2009
2 killed, scores wounded in fresh clashes in Antananarivo between supporters of ousted president Ravalomanana and police 20, 24 Apr, amid near daily rallies against transitional govt. Public protests banned 20 Apr. Following 2-3 Apr national conference, head of new High Transitional Authority Andry Rajoelina announced legislative and presidential elections for March and Oct 2010, constitutional review with referendum Sept 2009. Ravalomanana maintained claim to presidency from exile in Switzerland, pledged to return under SADC supervision, ruled out power-sharing, 16 Apr appointed parallel “legal” PM who later announced partial cabinet; “PM” arrested in capital 29 Apr and warrant issued for Ravalomanana for embezzlement. International censure of new regime continued: SADC suspended Madagascar membership, while both UNSC and France issued calls for return to constitutional order. International Contact Group formed to broker dialogue between parties after initial meeting convened by AU-UN 9 Apr in Senegal ended in stalemate.
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Madagascar
| 1 Apr 2009
President Ravalomanana 17 March handed power to military, which installed opposition rival Rajoelina as new president, after dissident troops allied to Rajoelina replaced military head and seized the (unoccupied) presidential palace. Almost daily pro-Ravalomanana protests held in Antananarivo from 23 March, leaving at least 34 wounded. New leader endorsed by Constitutional Court 17 March under pressure from military. Rajoelina, at 34, 6 years too young to take office under constitution, named new “transitional” govt 31 March (Ravalomanana party excluded), promised elections within 2 years, cancelled much-condemned Daewoo agriculture contract. Ravalomanana in 25 March statement vowed to return to power, travelled to Swaziland to rally support. International response overwhelmingly critical: regional leaders, U.S., EU denounced takeover as coup d’état; U.S., Norway suspended non-humanitarian aid; AU 20 March suspended Madagascar’s membership, SADC followed suit 30 March.
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Items 1 - 50 of 57