Democracy News

Ousted President Marc Ravalomanana Poised to Return to Madagascar
February 17, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

Former ousted Madagascan president Marc Ravalomanana vowed to return to the island nation on February 19, 2011 to help prepare for new elections nearly two years after he was removed from office by the army. Since his removal from office, Madagascar has been mired in a political crisis and efforts to resolve the impasse have floundered.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the deposed president – who will return under the threat of arrest – declared himself as Madagascar's rightful leader and said he is going back to start "desperately needed" talks that must pave the way to new polls. "I am the democratically elected and constitutional president of Madagascar," Ravalomanana said. "I return to my country humbly, so that we can return to democracy, and together create a bright future for Madagascar."

Ravalomanana has been in exile in South Africa since 2009, after being ousted by Andry Rajoelina, the former mayor of Antananarivo, the capital of the Indian Ocean island nation, and the military. The coup led to the suspension of Madagascar from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union, and spurred donors to terminate foreign assistance to the country that made up approximately two-thirds of state revenue. Despite international criticism, Rajoelina has rejected power-sharing deals with rivals.

According to Reuters, Ravalomanana stated that he was returning to "start genuine dialogue, which is desperately needed." He added that his presence in the country was needed to start "direct talks and restore us to democracy."

The Wall Street Journal reported that a Madagascan minister warned that Ravalomanana would be arrested if he returned. Ravalomanana was sentenced in absentia to life in prison and hard labor last year for the death of 30 opposition protesters killed by presidential guards as they attempted to march on the presidential palace on February 7, 2009. Ravalomanana's sentencing last year was the third since his ouster. He was also handed a four-year jail term and a fine for a case of conflict of interest in the purchase of a 60-million-dollar presidential jet and five years of hard labor over a land purchase.

In addition, the New York Times indicated that Ravalomanana is willing to face the risk of incarceration, "I know the risks facing my return, but cannot allow them to get in the way of us restoring democracy. I have nothing to fear. I have done nothing wrong," he said. Furthermore Ravalomanana stated that the regime is “illegal” and it cannot “legitimate itself.”

The BBC reported that Ravalomanana has informed South African authorities and will meet them on Thursday to plan to return to Madagascar. "I hope they will understand me and they will help my return to Madagascar," he said. The exiled leader also stated he was prepared to listen and talk with anyone, and would call all partners and civil society to inclusive roundtable discussions.
Last month, SADC mediator Leonardo Simao proposed a new plan to end the prolonged crisis, but none of the various parties have acted on it.

The plan proposed that Rajoelina remain interim president and calls for the formation of an inclusive transitional government which would prepare for presidential and parliamentary polls to be held between May 1 and November 30 of this year.

In response, Ravalomanana rejected the proposal. "It is a pro-coup transition plan designed to keep me out of Madagascar and out of any political participation. It is unacceptable. It is undemocratic. It sets a bad example for Africa. It rewards a coup leader" he said.

UPDATE
On March 10, the Madagascan Prime Minister and his government resigned following SADC’s plan to end the political crisis affecting the embattled African island.  According to Reuters, interim President Rajoelina told reporters he had "accepted the resignation of the government” and was “calling on all political actors to propose the names of people they consider capable of becoming prime minister and running a government to move toward elections.” The mass resignation has now opened the door for Rajoelina to stay in power until elections are held.  Dramatically shifting its position on Madagascar, SADC recommended that Rajoelina be recognized by the international community as interim president until elections.  Previously, SADC called for Rajoelina to step down.

For previous news, please see:
As Madagascar Votes on Referendum, a Military Coup is Attempted

Madagascar Sets Election Dates

Political Instability in Madagascar as Election Nears; SADC Calls for International Community not to Recognize Results

Sources:
BBC - Madagascar: Ousted leader Marc Ravalomanana 'to return

Reuters - Madagascar's exiled leader plans return

The Wall Street Journal - Ousted Madagascar President Plans Return

Reuters - Madagascar PM and government resign: President