Political dialogue in Brussels: the European Union throws the HAT off

The HAT’s proposal to take Madagascar out of from the crisis which has been lasting since the beginning of the year simply doesn’t make it. “The proposals and engagements of the Madagascan part remain in a non constitutional setting “, noticed the European Union at the end of the political dialogue with Madagascar’s government. 

The roadmap established with a presumed popular agreement at the time of a national conference having united Andry Rajoelina’s supporters didn’t convince”, doesn’t present any believable perspectives, at present, for a return to constitutional order in the short term “. 

The verdict for Andry Rajoelina’s first big oral exam in front of the international community members is definite: “The European union didn’t notice any satisfying proposal from the Madagascan part”. The term used in the statement doesn’t reflect any disappointment or impatience from the commission as for the evolution toward the exit from the crisis. A receding is even noticed compared to the negotiations’ progress managed by the international Contact Group. 

The HAT is therefore asked to return to the negotiation table. It is encouraged by the EU to continue their contacts with the Madagascan political groupings. This insistence from the European institution, Madagascar’s main financial backer should give relevance to the ICG so that the different sides are more willing to loosen their grip in the discussions. 

In this group of mediators, the African Union stars, supported by the SADC, the UN and the OIF. The inclusion of an European representative is perceived as a mean to pressure the authorities of the transition, to make them consider the economic stake of the crisis. The EU insists on the necessity to talk ” in order to reach an agreement allowing a return the constitutional order “. 

The only good news for Andry Rajoelina and his authority, no sanction has been taken against Madagascar. The European Union maintains the social helps but adopts some measures of prudence. Humanitarian projects and programs which directly impact on the population are preserved.  The same can’t however be told yet about funding to the  state