ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – The African Union (AU) yesterday suspended Madagascar, the strongest condemnation by the international community since opposition leader Andry Rajoelina took power with the support of the army.
“The council is of the opinion that what occurred in Madagascar enters the definition of unconstitutional change of government,” said Burkina Faso’s ambassador Bruno Nongoma Zidouemba, chairman of the AU’s peace and security council. “The council then decided to suspend the participation of Madagascar to the bodies and organs of the AU.”
Madagascar’s elected president, Marc Ravalomanana, was forced out on Tuesday after weeks of opposition protests that won the support of the military. The AU decision followed criticism by southern African bloc SADC, the EU and US. Weeks of political unrest in Madagascar have killed at least 135 people, devastated the economy and worried foreign investors. “A civilian and military coup has taken place in Madagascar,” Mr Zidouemba said.
The AU said the country’s new administration had six months to call an election, as provided for by the Malagasy constitution. Mr Zidouemba said the pan-African body would meet at a later date to discuss possible sanctions.
The SADC’s security troika of Mozambique, Angola and Swaziland said it would urge bloc members to impose sanctions on Madagascar when they meet in Johannesburg on March 30th.
“The mood that was there was a mood of complete intolerance. The troika had to meet because a member country is under siege,” South African defence minister Charles Nqakula said.
Roindefo Monja, prime minister in Mr Rajoelina’s transitional administration, said the new government would plead its case before the AU and the international community.
“What can they say about a fight for liberty and democracy? What crime has been committed?” he said.
“We will explain to the whole world our cause . . . The people demanded liberty and the military rallied to the popular movement but it did not seize power. . . We are confident the international community will understand,” he said. – (Reuters)