Andry Rajoelina: « pathetic » sanctions

New declarations from the HAT leader announced a rebellion of Madagascar’s dictating authorities against the African Union. The continental organization that enacted the sanctions is the punished politicians’ favorite target. « Funny things like these African Union’s sanctions are too seldom », commented Andry Rajoelina. « One is not ashamed to say it, what has happened in Madagascar is something exemplary and unique « . The former mayor of Antananarivo is referring to his popular movement led putsch, in 2009.  

Andry Rajoelina is keen on displaying a heroic profile, the defender of the widow and the orphan. « There are not many youth daring to stand tall to intimidations ». He accused the African leaders of being « murderous dictators monopolizing national wealth (himself dixit) ». The disparagement campaign against African chiefs of states is rampaging as it never did before. The HAT is straining to convince the people of the African Union’s alleged will to poke its nose into national issues. « We won’t let foreigners teach us how to lead our own country », revolted Andry Rajoelina. Then he emphasized that these sanctions would have no influence on the HAT led unilateral implementation of its roadmap.  

« We don’t fear any sanction as long as we can stand on our feet « , added Andry Rajoelina. The HAT leader is straining to make the Malagasy people the victim of the African Union’s sanctions. « One cannot leave, can we?… How many of us are longing for visiting Africa? how many of us have a passport to travel through the world ? », he wondered. Being deprived of travelling abroad is presented by Andry Rajoelina as a common ground with the people. « As long as our home movements and our dialog with the people are free form hindrance, the devil with their sanctions! »

The HAT is going to meet and draft a common official reaction. The Rajoelina mobility’s allies are now already successively repeating that the African Union’s sanctions would have no impact on the transitional institution’s activities. According to Patrick Mounibou, everyone would have been bound to face up to them, even if some would have expected them not to come true. Herimanana Razafimahefa underlined the lack of economic sanctions, meaning far less burdening measures compared to the suspension of foreign financing by the end of 2008. The HAT national education minister, who lived in France, regretted that these sanctions had been called upon by fellow Malagasy citizens. However, Julian Razafimanazato argued that asset freezing would be welcome, since it would keep his bank account to dry out.