Madagascar: Rajoelina Rejects Cabinet Talks

Madagascar’s leader Andry Rajoelina has rejected a meeting with the country’s former presidents, which was aimed at breaking an impasse over power sharing.

Rajoelina was invited to meet with former Presidents Marc Ravalomanana, Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy in Maputo, Mozambique, to resolve a dispute over the sharing of key cabinet posts, which has stalled talks aimed at restoring constitutional order in Madagascar.

Early last month the four leaders met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to strike a power-sharing deal that would have cost Madagascar a one billion dollars aid package from the European Union had they failed to reach agreement.

Sources say the current contention is mainly over the control of the ministries of justice, communication, mines and education.

Rajoelina declined to attend the meeting, saying reconvening in Maputo would be a waste of state funds and suggesting instead that video conferencing be used as much of the dialogue had been finalised.

The failed two-day meeting had been convened by former Mozambican Joaquim Chissano, who is mediating the talks.

Rajoelina declared himself president after leading a military-backed popular uprising that forced President Marc Ravalomanana out of power in March. The international community has refused to recognize his new government, leading to diplomatic isolation and the freezing of financial aid.

Madagascar was suspended from the African Union (AU) shortly after Rajoelina’s takeover. [ER]