Ravalomanana: a call for moderation

Prime Minister Jacques Sylla stated on Sunday that “the Malagasy judicial system is preparing to break the cycle of impunity”, as he alluded to the many criminal offenses committed by some of the former leaders of the Great Island.

From Antsiranana, (the northernmost province), President Ravalomanana called for some moderation during an inaugural ceremony which officially inducted special delegation president Jaosoa Pascal as the new man in charge of the province.
He specifically stated, “Although the country’s development will be our top priority, we will not just settle for arrests.”
This call for moderation follows another statement made over the weekend by General Jules Mamizara, the Defense Minister.
However, the new leadership’s attitude will not necessarily mean the end for military operations designed to bring peace and order.
Armed and dangerous militia men still remain at large.
Local sources indicate that approximately 100 weapons are still unaccounted for at Antsiranana, and the Ramena region, a popular tourist attraction, (about 20 kilometers away) is still among the hot zones.

A countryside mop-up operation is obviously necessary.
Sources within the Military indicate that this is also the case for the provinces of Toamasina (East), and Mahajanga (West).
Antsiranana’s special delegation president advocated the need for assigning a mobile taskforce to attend to this matter.
An officer reminded us that the struggles for control of the province were often very violent.
Some rebels have since surrendered, but Gara Jean Robert, the former governor, Colonels Coutiti and Rahitso, officers who have terrorized the region, are still nowhere to be found.

Today, Antsiranana is regaining its pre-crisis life.
The population, just like those of other provinces, has jubilantly welcomed the new president, on Saturday, wearing T-shirts emblazoned with his effigy.
As usual, Marc Ravalomanana promised a better standard of living, for everyone.

Translated by J. F. Razanamiadana