President Ravalomanana – a renewed call to the politicians

Only one day following President Ravalomanana?s call to solidarity, during the official inauguration of the national workshop on the Strategic Plan for Poverty Reduction, two political rallies were organized just to let him know they are sick and tired of being ignored, and that they will no longer be denied. Former president Albert Zafy?s National Reconciliation Committee (NRC), and former Fianarantsoa provincial governor Pety Rakotoniaina?s team, are the two entities which are unequivocally defying the head of state?s call. But to each his own.

Mr. Pety Rakotoniaina, the regime?s trouble child, is a concern for many. Even the members of his own party (MFM) are not happy with his attitude. One still remembers that, only a year earlier, he has zealously struggled in defense of President Ravalomanana?s cause, in the city of Fianarantsoa. Witnesses recall that March 26, the first anniversary of that fateful day, was the object a clamp down, in the city of Fianarantsoa. Mr. Pety Rakotoniaina, a passionate militant, had refused to participate, as planned, in the official ceremony organized by local officials, with representatives of the central authority. Instead, the former provincial chief organized a parallel ceremony. Obviously, governmental authorities, local officials, and even MFM militants – who expected their friend Pety to display better judgment – were disappointed, to say the least.

In another city, Toamasina, the day after President Ravalomanana?s call, the National Reconciliation Committee organized a street protest. By the end of the day, however, the rally has fizzled. A few stores were looted. Fortunately, the situation was swiftly brought under control. The only thing is that the incident prompted the local authorities to ban all future politically motivated rallies.

Nonetheless, these two isolated incidents have quite a ways to go before reaching a national scope. While Mr. Pety Rakotoniaina?s actions were motivated by his disappointment over his recent release, the National Reconciliation Committee?s were an attempt to strong-arm the new regime. In other regions, however, a host of politicians have heeded President Ravalomanana?s solemn call. These politicians, like the majority of the population, obviously are yearning for a measure of serenity. At least for one term.