Madagascar president steps down amidst widespread violence
Madagascar’s President Marc Ravalomanana announced he is transferring power to the military after the small island’s capital experienced widespread chaos.
On Monday the army stormed President Ravalomanana’s residence seeking to oust him in favor opposition leader Andry Rajoelina. They also seized Ravalomanana’s office, and subsequently named Rajoelina as the new leader of Madagascar.
Rajoelina – a former mayor – has continually called for President Ravalomanana’s arrest on charges of treason and incited the local population to participate in public protests against the former President, some of which turned violent.
A spokesperson for President said control of the country was given to the most senior figure in the military, navy admiral Hyppolite Ramaroson, according to the Reuters news. There are also rumors power was simply transferred to Rajoelina.
Troubles in Madagascar began in December 2006 during the last presidential elections when general protests emerged over poor standards of living. Though President Ravalomanana was re-elected for a second term, there has been calls for him to step down as some regarded him as a dictator of the small island state.
Rajoelina contends the former President was misusing government funds and running an aristocracy in Madagascar. The President’s supporters say Rajoelina is a troublemaker and unfit for a leadership position.
President Ravalomanana previously said he intended on staying in his post until the 2011 elections and would not resign, though he had entertained dual-sharing discussions with Rajoelina, a 34-year-old former disc jockey.
Rajoelina proclaimed himself the island’s leader earlier this month and claims to be in control of the country’s armed forces, which was tangibly seen yesterday when armed forced stormed the President’s residence and office.
The African Union said the opposition’s efforts to remove the president yesterday amounted to an attempted coup d’etat, according to BBC.
“Mr. Rajoelina has wrapped himself in the cloak of democracy, but he wants to replace an elected head of state without going to a ballot,” said a BBC correspondent.
Rajoelina said there would be a new constitution and elections within 24 months, also known as the President’s previously defined end of term.
Reports say President Ravalomanana has left the capital and is currently holing away in an unknown location on the island.
70% of the 20 million population in Madagascar still live on less than $2 a day, causing general dissatisfaction with political and governmental leadership.
