Madagascar: The Nation, not The Movie
The Mayor of Toamasina, Madagascar’s second largest city and chief port, wants to become the next President of that Indian Ocean island nation.
Attending the extraordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Johannesburg, Mayor Michael Ratsiraka announced that his city of Toamasina has long “suffered” at the hands of Antananarivo, the capital. “Toamasina is the lifeline of this country. If the mayor of Antananarivo can become President, then the mayor of Toamasina deserves to become President as well. I will make it happen and the military will back me this time.”
Meanwhile, member states of the SADC have called for peaceful political dialogue in Madagascar, naming a former president of Mozambique to lead negotiations. Attendees refused to comment on Mr. Ratsiraka’s announcement.
A spokesman for the Madagascar military establishment in Antananarivo said it was reasonable for Mayor Ratsiraka to expect a promotion. In case of another attempted coup, the army would “evaluate the available options and support the candidate most supportive of the goals and aspirations of the generals.”
Madagascar’s political turmoil began as President Marc Ravalomanana was ousted amid street protests in March. He was replaced by 35-year-old Andry Rajoelina, previously mayor of the capital Antananarivo, who seized power with military backing.
