Madagascar could pardon ex-president

ANTANANARIVO, Thursday

Exiled former Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana could be pardoned, the island nation’s Prime Minister said on return from crisis talks held in South Africa.

The country’s transitional parliament is expected to vote on a general amnesty law by February 29 and Mr Ravalomanana could be a key beneficiary if it is passed.

The pardon would allow the former president, who resides in South Africa, to return home as part of a road map that prescribes elections this year, following a crippling two-year political stalemate following a 2009 army-backed coup that ousted him from power.

Mr Ravalomanana was sentenced to life in prison and hard labour for the death of 30 opposition protesters allegedly killed by his presidential guard in 2009 during the street protests that led to his ouster.

Prime minister Jean-Omer Berizky, a consensual choice for the opposing parties, said the success of the road map signed in September in Antananarivo depended on an agreed pardon.

“The signing was done, there was collective agreement. Each signatory must respect his engagement,” said Mr Berizky after attending the Pretoria talks in the wake of an abortive attempt by Mr Ravalomanana to return to Madagascar.

Mr Ravalomanana’s return has been a major obstacle in attempts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to mediate the crisis.

His plane was blocked from landing in Madagsacar and turned mid-air allegedly on orders from interim President Andriy Rajoelina who took over after the coup.

A previous attempt to return was also blocked after South African airline officials denied him a boarding pass on orders from the Madagascar civil aviation authority.

Mr Rajoelina says his return would lead to a return of violence and was a national security concern. But the 15-member SADC bloc supports his unconditional return.

Mr Berizky said the Malagasy parties at the South Africa talks initiated by President Jacob Zuma were agreed on the need for the amnesty.

His spokesman also insisted that the former leader would return next month.

“President Ravalomanana and his family will return before February 29. The Malagasy state together with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will ensure their security,” said Mr Guy Rivo Randrianarisoa.

Observers to the simmering rivalry between Mr Rajoelina and Mr Ravalomana say that national reconciliation is a pre-requisite if sustainable peace is to be attained.

“From now on, a preliminary exchange must precede all decision-makings,” said the premier in a veiled reference to Mr Rajoelina’s perceived unilateralism following the closure of Madagascar’s airspace that forced Mr Ravalomanana to return to South Africa.

SADC officials have criticised the recent actions by both rivals. The issue is likely to be debated by foreign affairs ministers meeting in Addis Ababa ahead of the African Union’s heads of state and government summit this weekend.