AREMA or Ratsiraka sympathizers’ defense

The executive committee of the former dictator?s AREMA party shores up its own defense, following what members view as ?harassment? aimed at eliminating their own political formation, and agenda from the Malagasy landscape.

They no longer have a choice. The last Ratsiraka sympathizers, those who have been able to pursue their political activities, are currently forced to come up with their own defense, as they face very real, and threatening pressures. AREMA?s executive committee strongly objected to the arrests of former Ratsiraka collaborators. They contend that once Ratsiraka and his sympathizers were defeated, these arrests could have been conducted without any incident.

While AREMA?s executive committee was lodging their grievances, an association of the families of those who were arrested, people close to the former leadership?s inner circle, has just been formed, to plead for their release. The aim is to put pressure on the new leadership, echoing the former president?s relentless claim that there are currently some ?200 political prisoners? in Madagascar.

Faced with this series of grievances, President Ravalomanana declared his desire to have the courts promptly review the cases of the accused. This will eventually lead to the release of those whom the courts find innocent, and of course, punish the criminals who are found guilty. It is a known fact that, during the six month long crisis, there were, indeed, criminals, and the new leaders are fully aware of this.

Aside from championing the cases of the arrested individuals, AREMA?s executive committee also came to the defense of its National Secretary, Pierrot Rajaonarivelo, on Tuesday. As he spoke in his own defense, Deputy Secretary Pierre Raharijaona, viewed by the public as a moderate, insisted on polishing his superior?s tarnished image. Rajaonarivelo, former vice-prime minister in charge of Finance and Budget, was indirectly implicated by the new authorities who, through a general State Inspection, have vilified the former leaders? financial management because of the perceived ?exaggerated? use of special funds during a 2001 budget review.

Having been formerly at the receiving end of the local press corps? compassion, thanks to a controversial media blitz, AREMA?s National Secretary, Pierrot Rajaonarivelo, today sees his popularity waning. This explains the executive committee?s rather zealous reaction, which is understandable in view of the anticipated general election. The only problem is that, according to opinions expressed on private air waves, it seems to have aroused a certain degree of apprehension toward sympathizers of the former dictator, Didier Ratsiraka.

Translated by J. F. Razanamiadana