AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - “Mayor Rajoelina has managed to spark the anger that was already present among the people,” reveal sources from Radio Don Bosco, the country's main Catholic radio station

Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) – High tension continues in Madagascar, although there are no signs of further incidents. The assessment from recent days continues raising its numbers (a total of 80 people have died nationwide, says French Minister Alain Joyandet) while President Marc Ravalomanana accused two members of the opposition of having incited the chaos, calling for their arrest. The two men are: former mayor of Tamatave (Toamasina), Roland Ratsiraka (grandson of former President Didier Ratsiraka who is currently in exile in Paris), and former general Dolin Rasolosoa, member of the administration of the Mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina (main political opponent of the President and leader of the generalized strike and protests that later turned violent) (see Fides 27-28/1/2009),
“We think that it will be difficult that these arrests be carried out amidst the present climate of tension in the country, especially when Rajoelina has expressed his opposition,” Fides was told by sources from Radio Don Bosco, Madagascar's main Catholic radio station.
“It is a complex crisis,” sources added. “Mayor Rajoelina has managed to spark the anger that was already present among the people. The motives are economic and social: the majority of the inhabitants do not see any improvement in economic conditions, as they helplessly stand by and observe the exploitation of their national resources by foreign groups. President Ravalomanana was elected in 2002 following a tough competition with Ratsiraka (in power for decades), with the hope of bringing about a true change. However, the people continue to witness the depredation of the national resources, and the growth of the President's wealth, while they receive nothing in return.”
Ravalomanana is a rich entrepreneur who owns, among other things, radio and television stations and a supermarket chain. “The motive that led to the protests, the closing of the “Vita” television, owned by the Mayor of Antananarivo, is just the result of a general censuring of the national media sources. The national television and radio are more and more becoming the voice of the government, while the opposition is given very little attention. The sacking and burning of the two national stations is a result of this frustration: instead of being at the service of everyone, the media is considered the microphone for only one side.”
As for the crisis' future, our sources observe: “Rajoelina, who is the one leading the protests, does not seem to be the ultimate cause of all this. He is only 34 years old and in order to run for presidential elections against Ravalomanana, he would have to be at least 40, according to the Consitution. The Mayor of Antananarivo seems to be no more than a symbolic figure, behind which are the other members of the opposition, with a political plan that differs from that of the current President.” (LM) (Agencia Fides 29/1/2009)