The debate over ethnic origin is back again

The arrests of many individuals, native to the coastal areas of Madagascar, have awakened the old demon of tribalism, and caused it to rear its ugly head, once again, within a fringe of the Malagasy political circles. If the issue was brought up, for the first time, on the so-called ?moderate? wing of AREMA, former president Didier Ratsiraka?s party, it has been readopted by a section of the oldest generation of politicians.

Among the politicians who have brought up the issue, in the current framework of the post-crisis period, you will find the sympathizers of former president Albert Zafy who has kept his distance from President Ravalomanana since the election period. He has done so to the point that UNDD, the party he founded, is now on the verge of a split up. Some members have clearly asserted their willingness to collaborate with the new leadership, while others wish to align themselves with the opposition.

While the majority of the individuals who have been arrested, within the framework of the Malagasy political crisis, are native to the coastal areas, very few Merina, President Ravalomanana?s ethnic group, seem to have been implicated in the matter. That is why, for the last few weeks, the issue has been the driving force behind the anti-Ravalomanana groups which monopolize the media, on the heels of the peace restoration military operations.

Without meaning to create any controversy – tribalism being the primary tool used by the colonials to divide the Malagasy people – President Ravalomanana?s inner circle responds to his critics. Marson Evariste, a close collaborator of President Ravalomanana, stated, Tuesday night, in a private radio station interview, ?The secession drives, and the terroristic acts took place in the coastal regions; thus, it is perfectly normal that the arrests would take place there, as well.? He did not forget to point out that he, himself, is a coastal region native.

The judicial authorities, for their part, have not, at any time, brought up any questions which could link an accused to his/her ethnic origin. They promise a swift, and fair justice, in an effort to put and end to the controversies, and silence the critics, once and for all.

Translated by J. F. Razanamiadana