Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) - “The crisis has experienced a sudden turn for the worst and the situation is complicated,” Agenzia Fides learned from sources at Radio Don Bosco in Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital city, where Mayor Andry Rajoelina has been fired by the Internal Affairs Minister. The government's decision was announced yesterday, February 3, by the Prefect of the capital, Edmond Rakotomvato, who explained that the mayor's position has been handed over to a provisional leader, Guy Rivo Randrianarisoa. The government has thus responded to Rajoelina's announcement that he had requested Parliament's dismissal of President Marc Ravalomanana (see Fides 3/2/2009). Rajoelina is considered the greatest political opponent of the Head of State.
“Yesterday afternoon, the mayor held a press conference in which he rejected the government's decision and called for a demonstration to be held in front of the City Hall. The demonstrators are now moving from the May 13 Square, where they have been for days, to the square in front of City Hall,” our sources explained. “There are two aspects that should be noted. In his press conference, Rajoelina asked foreigners to stay home during the demonstrations today, as there is fear of violence. Beforehand, the radio that belongs to the mayor asked the police to conduct investigations on several individuals who had been bribing people to cause trouble.”
During the demonstration today, February 4, Rajoelina announced that he was stepping down as mayor and asking that one of his collaborators, Michele Ratsivalaka, manage city affairs for the time being.
“The demonstration in front of the Antananarivo City Hall continues, being non-violent for now, however there are worrisome signs coming from other parts of the country,” Fides sources said. “Yesterday, the Minister of Economic Affairs traveled to the city of Farafangana, in the southeastern part of the nation, to support the government's decision in front of the local people. He was received with a protest with burning tires in the street, forcing him to have to return to the airport. In the meantime, however, the demonstrators managed to set his plane on fire, leaving it completely destroyed. The Minister was taken to security, where he was taken to the capital in helicopter.”
“President Ravalomanana has also been visiting several towns on the island, including Antsiranana, in northern Madagascar, where Rajoelina will travel in a matter of hours. The two main adversaries are now working to gain support from the whole country,” Fides sources say.
“The Catholic Church in Madagascar has declared, upon an invitation of the Holy Father, that Sunday, February 8 will be a day for reconciliation and justice and has encouraged the faithful to pray. The Bishops have offered to mediate relations between President Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, however the two sides seem to be remaining at a distance for now.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 4/2/2009)
