Life sentence for Madagascar ex-leader may prolong crisis

International efforts to end the political upheaval on the island have so far been fruitless and the country's already poor economic situation has worsened with a suspension of foreign aid.

The deal aimed at breaking the deadlock, concluded between Rajoelina's camp and a slew of minor political players just two weeks before the latest court hearing, calls on its signatories to "work together and pool their efforts in the search for a solution to end the crisis".

It further calls for a constitutional referendum to be held on November 17, parliamentary elections in March next year and a first round of presidential polls on May 4, 2011.

However, the agreement does not have the approval of key political players, including three ex-presidents, and the new sentence against Ravalomanana makes their signing up to the deal even more unlikely.

Ravalomanana on Saturday night accused Rajoelina of lacking the will to find a way out of the crisis.

"It is clear now that the illegal regime led by Rajoelina has no political will to solve the problem," he said in South Africa.

Commenting on the "whole succession of agreements, both local and internationally brokered" aimed at lifting Madagascar out of its political crisis, Stephen Ellis said: "there is no will on the part of Rajoelina or his supporters to implement those".