In a televised speech yesterday evening, Malagasy ruler Rajoelina outlined basic parts of a roadmap towards solving the political crisis that has shaken the island since his coup in February 2009. Mr Rajoelina thus gave into an ultimatum presented on Monday by the armed forces, demanding such a roadmap.
The speech demonstrated that Mr Rajoelina had been working frenetically to reopen dialogue since the Monday ultimatum, establishing contact with mediators and rivals alike.
A meeting in South Africa, probably in Johannesburg, with ex-President Ravalomanana was already confirmed for 24 April. "It is the South African President who invited me," Mr Rajoelina said, adding the South African meeting would be "the last chance" to find a negotiated solution "to end "the Malagasy crisis.
However, Mr Ravalomanana indicated that the upcoming meeting still needed to be confirmed, as the de facto President was insisting only the two main rivals should meet. Earlier negotiations mediated by the African Union (AU) had also included former Presidents Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy, both with a considerable support in Madagascar.
The AU negotiations had led to a power-sharing deal involving Mr Rajoelina and the three ex-presidents. De facto President Rajoelina however had failed to implement the power-sharing deal, thus sparing AU sanctions against Madagascar.
Source: Afrol News
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