The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has called for a de-escalation of tensions in Madagascar following three weeks of protests in Antananarivo, the capital. The Malagasy Island nation has been beset by political unrest ignited by police brutality, and power and water shortages. The escalated unrest has since evolved into broader calls for dynamic political change.
This includes calls for attempts of an alleged coup to unseat President Andry Rajoelina.
International relations and cooperation ministry spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri: “We strongly call upon all parties to respect the democratic process and constitutional order. It is imperative that any disputes be resolved peacefully through inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and established legal mechanisms. In accordance with the Lomé Declaration, South Africa does not support unconstitutional changes of government.” Phiri said that South Africa says urgent intervention is needed to avoid a humanitarian crisis amid the loss of life and destruction of property. “We wish to recall that regional conflict resolution mechanisms remain at the disposal of the people of Madagascar to facilitate dialogue and a peaceful way forward.”
It should be noted that President Rajoelina came to power through a military coup in 2009 that overthrew and forced into exile his predecessor deposed President Marc Ravalomanana. Now it should be noted that it is not certain whether Rajoelina still commands popular support in the country or it is over for him. There are lessons to be learned from the Malagasy case for the rest of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) when a leader overstays his tenure in power. Relying solely on the repression of the security forces can only do so much. South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa must not allow instability and conflict to engulf Madagascar through another coup by the army. The risk of a refugee crisis in that nation will become imminent.
“The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with deep concern the recent political developments in the Republic of Madagascar. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property that has occurred. “South Africa calls for calm and restraint from all actors and urges them to do everything necessary to avoid any further action that may escalate tensions or worsen the humanitarian situation,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement on Sunday. Furthermore, all parties are urged to “respect the democratic process and constitutional order”. “It is imperative that any disputes be resolved peacefully through inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and established legal mechanisms. In accordance with the Lomé declaration, South Africa does not support unconstitutional changes of government.
Rajoelina should step down. His ascent to presidential power from being the Mayor of Antananarivo was aided by Madagascar’s old colonial power France. Paris still has extensive business interests in the country and is sucking its resources dry. Pretoria as the largest industrial economy in SADC needs to take a tougher stand on Rajoelina. Madagascar is a beautiful island country that could have been a tourist destination if it were run according to the interests of its citizens. The risk of a civil war growing out of the political unrest will do it no good. South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola must take a tougher stance on the Rajoelina’s regime and call for a transition of power to an interim civilian administration. If the Malagasy state were to face a collapse, the repercussions could be felt across South Africa.
This a turning point South Africa must be weary off.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
