Tag Archives: President Andry Rajoelina

Regional

INTERNATIONAL APPEAL FOR SUPPORT BEHIND MADAGASCAR’S RECONSTRUCTION PLAN

Maravi Post Reporter

Madagascar is facing a new political environment, thanks to the timely intervention of the military in that country, the situation would have been worst than the 2011 genocide in Libya.  The situation was triggered by oppression, a failed governance system and lack of political will to address the demands and aspirations of the people of Madagascar.

On 14th October, 2025 the military in Madagascar took over the helm of affairs, to avert a serious humanitarian crisis in the East African nation. This came after the former dictator, President Andry Rajoelina fled the country to an unknown destination, and abandoned his people to perish at the pity and mercy of the national Police forces. Based on this, that the Madagasy Military, acting as a savior, had no other alternative but to fill the vacuum created by the departure of the former dictator.

The situation in Madagascar remains unstable with former European colonial masters threatening to do everything to return the former fascist government to power. The African Union’s (AU) suspension of an African country hit already a nation facing wholesale poverty, oppression and environmental degradation.

Prior to the intervention of the Madagasy military to save their country from further destruction and devastation under the fascist dictatorship of former President Andry Rajoelina, Madagascar was plunged into a devastating humanitarian crisis. In other words, the era of the former dictator was a period where many Madagasy people suffered indignities, with a weak governance system and limited progress towards development and sustainable environment, where social cohesion was completely eroded, access to basic services disrupted, livelihoods destroyed, and where protection risks jumped considerably.

Against the backdrop of changing current narratives that the New African Charter International (NACI) is seeking donor funding to help Madagascar, which is facing an unprecedented crisis created by years of fascist dictatorship governance, economic failures and weeks of nationwide street protests. It is the view of NACI that, with this appeal to donors there is every reason to believe that help will be forth-going to the competent authorities in Antananarivo, to help the government of President Colonel Michael Randrianirina implement its rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes.

The new government of Antananarivo has laid down its priorities and one of them is to embark upon an accelerated program of development and prosperity that will benefit all the people of Madagascar. This will be possible only with outside support and funding, which would be needed to help the new government address the challenges on the ground.

From a survey on the situation on the ground, the rehabilitation and reconstruction needs in the short, medium and long term across Madagascar would run to billions of US Dollars. The plain truth is that, the suffering of the people of Madagascar is not over yet, though there is a new government in Antananarivo. The country faces massive challenges simply in wiping-off the wounds and scars inflicted over the past painful years. The situation in Madagascar should be a concern to all good people, especially those who believe and advocate peace, freedom and homeland dignity, and this would depend on how the international community will respond and ready to shoulder its responsibility towards the people of Madagascar.

The past political leaders of Madagascar had positioned Madagascar to the level of a beggar nation. The world is indebted to the plight of Madagascar, a nation that has been raped, pillaged, and destroyed by regional and foreign powers and is referred to as a failed state under the former dictator Andry Rajoelina.

Madagascar has passed through successive crises since 2009, a political crisis generated by foreign backed coups and counter coups. It was in this process that the then Mayor of Antananarivo, the capital city, Andry Rajoelina was imposed as Head of state and Commander-In-Chief in the East African nation. Besides, Madagascar had also faced an electoral crisis and a deepened humanitarian emergency, driven by a cycle of failed governance system, corruption and a battered economy. The consequences of this crisis have been the failure by political leaders to fight abject poverty and other social ills, and as well as the frequent degradation of the environment due to climate-related crises such as drought and cyclones. This political instability, coupled by epileptic state institutions, dysfunctional economic system, infrastructural decadence, worsening social disorderliness and national food insecurity crisis are the challenges before the new government in Antananarivo, led by President Colonel Michael Randrianirina.

There is a need to resist outside pressures to join the African Union’s (AU) policy of collective punishment towards our African brothers and sisters in Madagascar. NACI opposes any foreign-dictated decision to kick a sovereign African nation, such as Madagascar and the Sahel states out of the activities of the AU. NACI opposes also the threats and aggressive rhetoric statements by some African leaders against another African state; and deplores the view held by many of the most powerful nations in the world that collective punishment is an acceptable foreign policy to be meted on weaker nations.

Now Madagascar is but a shadow of its former glorious self and the new government in Antananarivo has laid its plans to rebuild its country as a credible, just and regional power endowed with good governance, political stability, economic growth, social justice, and environmental safety. Madagascar needs help, and not hate, malice or grudges! The new government in the East African nation of Madagascar needs help to rebuild its infrastructure and provide its people with the means to build and rebuild a nation for the good of current and future generations.

It is clearly in the interests of regional peace, political stability and development, and sustainable environment that the African Union should rescind its hate policy towards Madagascar and its people. It is also in the interests of all peoples and nations of the world that political leaders must place the interests of their people first, before any other selfish interests. We urge the African Union to help resolve problems faced by member-states by employing all diplomatic avenues and political efforts, without compromising the demands and aspirations of the people, or allowing for lives to be destroyed.

The New African Charter International expresses its deep concern regarding the West’s hatred for Africa and African people. The current political development in Madagascar calls for understanding of the demands and aspirations of the people in that country, and not to what France or other detractors are selling out to the public. Rather, we call on international development partners to act in light of the current critical circumstances, as well as the necessity of strengthening joint international efforts to help rehabilitate and build the East African nation, and not to sow the seeds of destabilisation that would have negative impacts on the lives of the people.

The current political crisis sweeping across Africa today is partly driven by a desire to impose a neo-colonial agenda on the continent. Africans all over the world have intimated their rejection of France’s neo-colonial and meddling mentality in the affairs of the continent. The issue of the Gen-Z movement in Africa cannot be underestimated, it would never be wiped-off from the face of the earth by any threats, or force, or by media manipulation, threats or blackmail.

Peace would remain elusive in Africa unless NATO rescinds or abandons its aggressive, inhumane and oppressive policy towards the continent. France’s aggressive rhetoric towards Madagascar was mooted by a desire to deflect world attention away from the real issues. Instead the former colonial Empire opts to hide the shocking ground realities by peddling lies and projecting its concocted normalcy narrative on Madagascar. The truth remains that during the reign of the former dictator, Madagascar witnessed the erosion of the country’s freedom, human rights values, socio-political freedom and environmental justice.

Today, we join the people of Madagascar and Africans all over the world to demand respect for our continent. And, we end this statement by calling upon the international community to come forward and lend its support to the new people’s government in Antananarivo, under the wise leadership of President Colonel Michael Randrianirina.

Madagascar will rise again!

Sender:

Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh
Founder and Co-president
The New African Charter International

Politics, Regional

Madagascar at a crossroads: Navigating the turmoil of political upheaval

Jones Gadama

ANTANANARIVO-(MaraviPost)-Madagascar, an island nation known for its rich biodiversity and challenging development landscape, now finds itself engulfed in a profound political crisis that threatens the very fabric of its governance and stability.

The recent upheaval, marked by the defection of the elite military unit CAPSAT and the subsequent military takeover, signals a critical juncture for the country’s future.

Understanding the dynamics at play requires a thorough examination of the sequence of events, their underlying causes, and the broader implications for Madagascar and the region.

The unrest began with youth-led protests sparked by persistent water and power shortages—basic needs that remain unmet for large sections of Madagascar’s population. These shortages, while seemingly infrastructural, are emblematic of deeper systemic failures.

The youth, frustrated with daily hardships and the government’s inability to address them, mobilized in what quickly escalated into a nationwide demand for President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation.

This demand was not solely about utilities but was fueled by broader grievances including corruption, poor governance, and glaring economic inequality.

President Rajoelina, who first came to power in 2009 with the support of CAPSAT, a military unit that played a pivotal role in his ascent, found his grip on power weakening rapidly.

The irony of the CAPSAT defection cannot be overstated; the very unit that facilitated his initial rise turned against him, aligning with the protesters and declaring military control over the country.

This defection dramatically altered the political landscape, effectively ending Rajoelina’s authority and precipitating the suspension of key state institutions such as the Senate, High Constitutional Court, and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The military, under Colonel Michael Randrianirina’s leadership, announced a transitional period of up to two years during which they would govern alongside a provisional government. This move is framed as a pathway to restoring order and preparing for new elections.

However, military takeovers historically carry risks of prolonged power grabs, potential human rights abuses, and setbacks to democratic progress.

The promise of a transition and elections must be scrutinized within this context, as the military’s true intentions and capacity to govern inclusively remain uncertain.

The impeachment vote against Rajoelina by lawmakers was a significant political maneuver, yet it came amidst a backdrop of violence and instability. Over 22 people have lost their lives, and more than 100 have been injured in clashes between protesters, security forces, and possibly other armed groups. The violence underscores the volatile environment and the high stakes involved for all actors.

The youth-led nature of the protests is particularly notable, reflecting a global pattern where young populations, often marginalized economically and politically, are at the forefront of demands for change.

Internationally, the crisis has drawn concern, particularly from the African Union, which has urged restraint and adherence to constitutional mandates by the military.

The AU’s position is crucial in setting normative expectations for the resolution of such crises on the continent, where military interventions have often resulted in prolonged instability.

The call for the military to refrain from political meddling highlights the tension between the necessity of restoring order and the imperative of preserving democratic governance.

Rajoelina’s reported flight from Madagascar aboard a French military aircraft adds an international dimension to the crisis.

His sudden departure and subsequent silence about his whereabouts leave a leadership vacuum and create uncertainty about his potential role in future political developments.

The involvement of a foreign military asset in his evacuation could be interpreted in multiple ways—from a humanitarian gesture to protect a former leader, to an indication of external interests and influences in Madagascar’s internal affairs.

The economic dimension of the crisis cannot be ignored. Madagascar has long grappled with poverty, uneven development, and limited infrastructure.

The protests’ initial trigger—water and power shortages—highlights how fragile the country’s development gains are and how governance failures directly impact citizens’ lives. Economic inequality and corruption have compounded these challenges, eroding public trust and fueling dissent.

The current crisis risks exacerbating economic instability, discouraging investment, and diverting government attention away from development priorities.

From a governance perspective, the suspension of key institutions represents a setback to Madagascar’s democratic framework.

The Senate, Constitutional Court, and Electoral Commission are pillars of checks and balances, and their suspension raises questions about the future of rule of law and democratic processes.

The military’s involvement in governance, even temporarily, may undermine institutional independence and set a precedent that could be difficult to reverse.

The youth-led nature of the protests is both a source of hope and concern. On one hand, it signals a vibrant civil society and a new generation unwilling to accept the status quo.

Their demands for accountability and better governance resonate with global movements that have successfully challenged entrenched power structures.

On the other hand, the violence and instability accompanying these protests risk alienating moderate voices and hardening divisions within society.

Looking ahead, Madagascar faces several critical challenges.

The immediate priority must be to restore peace and prevent further loss of life. This will require dialogue among all stakeholders—including the military, opposition leaders, civil society, and international partners—to agree on a roadmap for transition.

Transparency, inclusivity, and respect for human rights will be essential to rebuilding trust.

The military’s promise of a two-year transitional period before elections presents an opportunity to reform institutions and address root causes of the crisis, but it also risks becoming a prolonged occupation of power.

Vigilant domestic and international oversight will be necessary to ensure that the military respects its stated timeline and does not undermine democratic gains.

For President Rajoelina, his future remains uncertain. His departure has removed him from immediate political contestation, but it does not preclude a return or continued influence behind the scenes.

How he navigates this period—whether by engaging constructively with transitional processes or attempting to reclaim power through other means—will significantly shape Madagascar’s political trajectory.

International actors, including regional bodies, foreign governments, and development partners, have a critical role to play.

Support for mediation efforts, humanitarian assistance, and economic stabilization will be vital.

Equally important is a commitment to uphold Madagascar’s sovereignty and avoid actions that could be perceived as interference or exacerbate tensions.

In sum, Madagascar stands at a crossroads. The current crisis is the culmination of longstanding governance challenges, economic hardships, and social frustrations. The military’s intervention, while ending a president’s tenure, opens a complex chapter filled with opportunities and risks.

How the country navigates this period will determine whether it can build a more inclusive, stable, and prosperous future or slide further into instability and conflict.

The resilience of Madagascar’s people, especially its youth, combined with the commitment of its institutions and the support of the international community, will be key to overcoming this crisis.

The path ahead demands patience, dialogue, and a shared vision for a nation that honors its democratic aspirations and addresses the socio-economic needs of all its citizens.

The world watches closely as Madagascar writes its next chapter—one that will test the strength of its democracy and the unity of its people in the face of profound adversity.

Health, Politics, Top News

Madagascar Health Minister Ahmad fired amid failed Covid-19’s controversial herbal drink

Lloyd M’bwana
President Andry Rajoelina

ANTANANARIVO-(MaraviPost)-Madagascar on Thursday, August 20, 2020 said it had fired its health minister as part of a government reshuffle, a move that came a month after he butted heads with the president for seeking outside help for Covid-19.

The Indian Ocean island-nation saw COVID-19 cases surge in July despite an official campaign to promote a controversial herbal drink touted as a remedy for the virus.

As hospitals raised concern about lack of beds, Health Minister Ahmad Ahmad wrote a letter in July asking international agencies to send medical equipment.

His appeal sparked anger in President Andry Rajoelina’s administration, which said Ahmad had acted “without consulting” either the government or head of state.

Ahmad’s cabinet exit was revealed on Thursday in the announcement of a new list of ministers following a reshuffle.

“Jean Louis Hanitrala Rakotovao has been named new health minister,” cabinet secretary Valery Ramonjavelo told a press conference, without giving details about the change.

Rajoelina has been promoting an infusion derived from artemisia, a plant with proven anti-malarial properties, as a homegrown cure for COVID-19.

The drink, named Covid-Organics, has been widely distributed in Madagascar and sold to several other countries, mainly in Africa.

The UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that there have been no published scientific studies to validate claims for the drink, and mainstream scientists have pointed to potential risks from untested concoctions.

Rajoelina has ignored the warnings and blamed a jump in cases last month on “increased testing capacity”.

Madagascar’s coronavirus outbreak seems to have slowed since then, with new daily confirmed cases dropping from peaks of over 400 in July to an average of around 80 since Monday.

To date the country has recorded more than 14,000 infections, of which 177 deaths have been fatal

Source: Expressiveinfo