Defense department: power transfer with smiles for cameras

On Wednesday April 14th, 2010, the power transfer ceremony in Mahazoarivo has been delayed for six hours…most likely by remaining tensions. Retired general Mounibou performed as mediator. Camille Vital refused the negotiation label. “Thank God the situation is unblocked…there has been no deal “. The ceremony was finally completed, in the Prime Minister’s palace, and not in Ampahibe, in the Defense department’s facility. “I am Prime Minister as well as government member all the way”, argued general Vital. Alleged mutiny risks and potential rebellion from general Rakotonandrasana’s supporters are, thereupon, being blown away all at a time.  

General Vital conceded that the power transfer process was complicated His predecessor definitely argued that he could not leave in spite of his dismissal. Head to head talks have, however, made place to lull and relief. The Prime minister put brotherhood between soldiers forward. “When we receive an order, we execute it on point guard “, he said. Then he willingly forgave his defense ministry predecessor’s misbehavior. “Prior to being militaries, we are first and foremost human, and prior to being a man, we are a citizen”, protested Camille Vital.  

“In respect of discipline and hierarchy, I am making it a honor to transfer power”, declared general Rakotonandrasana, before confirming his devotion to the HAT leader, Andry Rajoelina, anew. The former defense minister, dismissed for being suspected of planning a putsch against the dictating authorities, pointed at the press, allegedly guilty of causing his fall. “Whatever has appeared in the newspapers was an interpretation, and in no way the truth” he argued. Noel Rakotonandrasana talked about a project or a movement supposed to gather militaries, figures from the civil society and economic operators.  

A military in charge of a ministerial department as well as on top of the government is not a second to none scene in the country. General Charles Rabemananjara used to be in charge of his time’s government as well as the foreign office. His legitimacy has never been questionned. The present Prime minister is pushing hard to impose his mark in both military and political circles. Andry Rajoelina gave him a subsequent boost when propelling him on top of the defense department with brand new stars of a general. A political reward is a cause for grumbles too, since the TGV’s driver did not embark from scratch.  

Camille Vital’s military career is on stand by. He was available following an attempt to conquer Tulear’s town hall. His candidacy had finally been refused. Even as Prime minister, he has been lacking a significant grip on the armed forces commanded by the new generals. General Noel Rakotondrasana’s defiance against the government’s colonel drew Andry Rajoelina to enforce balance. Standards are, from now on the military academy’s basic promotion. Camille Vital stems from the 10th promotion while his predecessor Noel Rakotondrasana stems from the 11th.