Transition in the army: colonel Rakotonondrasana as first and lone in command

Cécile Manorohanta, the Rajoelina mobility’s government deputy Prime Minister will not be entitled to command the armed forces. The “political command” is granted to the national defense secretary. Even though the previously vice Prime minister in charge of the interior in the Roindefo II government was previously defense secretary in the general Charles Rabemananjara government, she will not be granted the privilege to command to men in lattice again. For an army desperately trying to emphasize its neutrality, being commanded by a civilian in the midst of a crisis period is absolutely off the point.  

Cécile Manorohanta’s famous predecessor has dared to entrench himself in Mahazoarivo since he could reckon with the armed forces’ support, at that time still under his authority. In order to loosen the tide, Monja Roindefo is therefore asked to leave the job and his palace; the large brood of soldiers supposed to insure his security is not. Confrontation is being avoided, as it was not the case in 2002, when Mahazoarivo had to be conquered from Tantely Andrainarivo’s hands. The prospects of an armed intervention from the squad lead by former commanders “Charles” and Lylson, now promoted lieutenant-colonels, proved to be only a rumor, some sort of a deterring campaign. 

This deputy Prime Minister’s role restriction is recalling that Cécile Manorohanta has defected the Ravalomanana mobility and switched party. The armed forces pending division is also justifying the HAT president’s incentive to grant the command to colonel Rakotonandrasana, previously well used to master the situation in spite of his rank inferiority. The officers who actively participated to the political takeover of March 17th, 2009 are still in charge of strategic positions. Thanks to colonel André Ndriarijaona on top of the army’s headquarters and colonel Bruno Razafindrakoto in command of the state police, Andry Rajoelina’s power is well kept.