The Monja Roindefo case is turning into a genuine crisis within the crisis

Political mediation is no more confined to the four parties which signed the Maputo agreements. It might now stand in a good stead between the president of the High Authority of Transition, Andry Rajoelina, and his Prime minister Monja Roindefo. This latter has officially been dismissed; however he requires “a shadow of protocol” before leaving the palace of Mahazoarivo. 

Monja Roindefo affirmed, in a declaration on Saturday October 10th, that he does not have the intention to resign. Then he moved back to a more moderate stand by specifying, on Sunday, that he would be bound to go, could the four political mobilities sign an agreement formalizing the appointment of a new national unity Prime Minister. 

For cause of poorly inspired haste, Andry Rajoelina has actually proceeded with Régis Eugene Mangalaza’s appointment as “Prime minister and national unity government” only few hours after Monja Roindefo’s statement.  The appointment decree has been adopted by Saturday night. 

In retaliation, Monja Roindefo was keen on specifying that Mangalaza’s appointment was “based on simple press declaration from the International Contact Group”.  

Some government members have, anyhow, broken up with Monja Roindefo, confirming that they do no more receive orders from the outgoing Prime Minister.  

Monja Roindefo and Andry Rajoelina have, now, created another crisis within the crisis, up to inducing some of their peers to feel currently compelled to launch mediation between both men. In this sense, the HAT member, Alain Ramaroson, called both former brothers-in-arms to “unite”. As far as he is concerned, division within the Andry Rajoelina mobility is not the solution.  

“I get along very well with Monja Roindefo until now and I support him; and I will also defend Andry Rajoelina to the end” said Ramaroson.  

Anyway, the outgoing Prime Minister has appeared uncompromising. He had to confirm his willingness to eventually contest the presidential elections, as a way of his to challenge the one who appointed him as Prime minister in February on the place of May 13th, when both men were, then, directing street demonstrations requiring Marc Ravalomanana’s departure.