AU-Madagascar: reluctance

Marc Ravalomanana, the new Malagasy President, will have his work cut out for him when he attempts to settle the differences between the Malagasy political philosophy, and that of the newly formed African Union (AU) which will, from now on, replace OAU.

African delegates who participated at the Durban summit to establish the new by-laws of the Pan-African organization, understanding nothing of the Malagasy political situation – not because they could not, but because they obviously did not want to – continue to demand a new election. The former dictator?s ?blood brothers? still maintain that the new President acceded to power through ?unconstitutional? means, namely an illegitimate ?coup de force?. Within Ravalomanana?s inner circle, they believe that these African leaders, who know very well that Marc Ravalomanana was declared the winner following a court-sanctioned recount, simply want to ignore the facts, and the events of the Malagasy post-election crisis.

What stand do we want to adopt vis-à-vis the African Union? For the Malagasy leadership, this question is quickly becoming a perplexing task of trying to square a circle. President Ravalomanana maintains his objectivity as he reportedly does not want to rush the Pan-African organization which, unlike the Great Island?s western, and eastern partners, continues to deny him a de facto recognition of his presidency.

Today, the Malagasy leadership is just as divided, and just as confused as their African counterparts, and the civilians with regards to what position they ought to take. In Madagascar, as well as on the continent, the decision is far from easy. A few polls indicate that the majority of civilians would like to permanently leave the fold of the African political organization. The politicians, Malagasy and African alike, are divided. A few weeks ago, Manandafy Rakotonirina, a close adviser to President Ravalomanana, thought that the Great Island could not do without OAU, while other collaborators of the new Head of State would rather see Madagascar align herself with economically, and commercially driven regional organizations, than with ?ineffective? political ones, such OAU, which they already view as nothing more than an ?association of dictators?. On the other hand, President Ravalomanana has already made his decision: a wait and see attitude…

Translated by J. F. Razanamiadana