July 14: does everybody sulk to France?

The establishment of the guests list ought to have become a puzzle for a French embassy on its way to celebrate its July 14th in quit a tense climate. Could the HAT be officially invited, it would be a sign on Paris’s position which Madagascan parts yearn to know. They won’t just yet. The chief of the transition government kicked the ball first by declaring that the members of the HAT will go to the residence of France personally. 

The embassy wanted to put all parties on the same equal footing. the invitation of the « legalistic Prime minister » was a courageous political act. Is this pressure on the HAT in order to have the 73 years old political prisoner freed? 

Still in the legalistic ranks, deputies and the senators have been invited. Although, they would allegedly be turning down the invitation unless France clears its position. The leaders of president Ravalomanana’s movement expected a condemnation of the constitutional power change and the de facto transition. 

In short, France doesn’t recognize but doesn’t condemn either. This owes it everybody’s malcontent. The HAT has less reason however to be angry at France which has always been a faithful ally when it could. Decentralized cooperation between groupings, the military cooperation, and humanitarian helps have been put forward during this period of diplomatic mist. 

The Rajoelina regime cannot expect more from Paris which remains bound as long as the European Union refuses either recognition or the roadmap to return to constitutional order. In the political dialogue held in Brussels, the HAT has been left alone without France’s so much expected support. 

During June 26th’s ceremony, the French ambassador was absent like all diplomatic representatives in Madagascar. France was however hugely represented in Mahamasina, by several superior army officers. Concerning his national day ceremony, ambassador Châtaigner can inspire from two different examples: the United States which invite no political characters, and Senegal which invited every side.  

For the second consecutive year, July 14th risks being tense. In 2008, ambassador Gildas Le Lidec made the show by unveiling his bitterness in broad daylight. He has been affected, having never been « recognized » by president Ravalomanana. His successor only disembarked when Andry Rajoelina took the power. Jean Marc Châtaigner didn’t yet present his credence letter to a » president » which his country can’t recognize…yet. 

If France’s embassy in Madagascar had hopes to mark July 14 with the political appeasement and friendship between the two countries, they would be dashed this year again. The lack of recognition as well as condemnation of the Rajoelina regime bring the political blocks  » to boycott » the French national day ceremony. 

The establishment of the guests list ought to have become a puzzle for a French embassy on its way to celebrate its July 14th in quit a tense climate. Could the HAT be officially invited, it would be a sign on Paris’s position which Madagascan parts yearn to know. They won’t just yet. The chief of the transition government kicked the ball first by declaring that the members of the HAT will go to the residence of France personally. 

The embassy wanted to put all parties on the same equal footing. the invitation of the « legalistic Prime minister » was a courageous political act. Is this pressure on the HAT in order to have the 73 years old political prisoner freed? 

Still in the legalistic ranks, deputies and the senators have been invited. Although, they would allegedly be turning down the invitation unless France clears its position. The leaders of president Ravalomanana’s movement expected a condemnation of the constitutional power change and the de facto transition. 

In short, France doesn’t recognize but doesn’t condemn either. This owes it everybody’s malcontent. The HAT has less reason however to be angry at France which has always been a faithful ally when it could. Decentralized cooperation between groupings, the military cooperation, and humanitarian helps have been put forward during this period of diplomatic mist. 

The Rajoelina regime cannot expect more from Paris which remains bound as long as the European Union refuses either recognition or the roadmap to return to constitutional order. In the political dialogue held in Brussels, the HAT has been left alone without France’s so much expected support. 

During June 26th’s ceremony, the French ambassador was absent like all diplomatic representatives in Madagascar. France was however hugely represented in Mahamasina, by several superior army officers. Concerning his national day ceremony, ambassador Châtaigner can inspire from two different examples: the United States which invite no political characters, and Senegal which invited every side.  

For the second consecutive year, July 14th risks being tense. In 2008, ambassador Gildas Le Lidec made the show by unveiling his bitterness in broad daylight. He has been affected, having never been « recognized » by president Ravalomanana. His successor only disembarked when Andry Rajoelina took the power. Jean Marc Châtaigner didn’t yet present his credence letter to a » president » which his country can’t recognize…yet.