Addis Ababa: opening of the meeting for the resolution of the Malagasy crisis

Jean Ping, president of African Union’s Commission, outlined the relevance of this decisive stage. The ICG is committed to find a solution to the Malagasy crisis, even if it takes an extension of the three days long duration basically planned for the ultimate negotiations. On Marc Ravalomanana’s request, the meeting takes place in the African Union’s Conference Hall. Mr. Ping was keen on specifying the acquirements from Maputo I and II as well as those from the meeting of October 06th in Antananarivo are maintained, and that the present stage should be drawing a conclusion. 

As a sign of a done deal, Eugene Mangalaza is granted the same relevance as that of a mobility leader tagged as Prime minister. Jean Ping did not forget to show gratitude to Joaquim Chissano, the  SADC mediator, who contributed to the process. The goal is the erection of a neutral transition supposed to drive the country toward the 4th Republic. Following Marc Ravalomanana’s diplomatic apologies concerning the confusion caused by Ablassé Ouedraogo, the non permanent AU consultant, the President of the Commission did not withdraw the concerned mediator from the negotiations as asked by by the ousted President. 

As being the elder, Albert Zafy spoke on behalf of the Malagasy side. He generally called upon wisdom from all Malagasy, and more particularly from the mobility leaders. The former president called upon the population’s interest to be held in account, and disclosed that politicians have too much been playing with the people by serving hopes and despairs. “I hope this meeting into be the latest outside Madagascar and the situation to be settled”, he declared. Albert Zafy insisted on the leaders’ responsibility. According to him, the previous stages should be considered in order to move forward in the process. 

All of the delegations have shown good face for the premiere. Following the African Union’s anthem, Madagascar’s national anthem has been sung in choir by all of the Malagasy in the Hall, without playback. The leaders, then, reached their places alongside their respective delegation chief. The presence of Fetison Rakoto Andrianirina beside Marc Ravalomanana could be noticed. Rumours on his eviction to the advantage of Guy Rivo Randrianarisoa, the Antananarivo’s former PDS (Special Delegation President) during the crisis, used to roam around. The legalistic delegation chief is into the show, even though it might well be his last one. 

The Ratsiraka mobility also proposed a surprise by having his former Prime minister Tantely Andrianarivo beside him. The foreign affairs minister Ny Andrimanjato hasina is leading the Rajoelina side. Zafy Albert’s faithful lieutenant, Emmanuel Rakotovahiny is inescapable even though he is not officially the transitional vice-president yet. Following the opening session, the first talks behind closed doors took place. It lasted less than a hour before a suspension. The lacking presence of mediator Chissano had been required.