Madagascar’s Rival Leaders Sign Accord to End Political Crisis

Aug. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Rival leaders in Madagascar’s political crisis have signed an agreement aimed at restoring stability and paving the way for elections in 15 months.

The accord provides for a period of political transition, including amnesty for former leaders. It was signed today in Maputo, Mozambique, where the political foes have been holding talks since Aug. 5.

Madagascar, a former French colony that lies off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, has been in crisis since March, when President Marc Ravalomanana resigned following two months of protests by supporters of Andry Rajoelina in which at least 100 people died. Rajoelina was declared president with the support of the military, a move that led to the country’s suspension from the African Union and the 15-nation Southern African Development Community.

The talks in Maputo are being attended by Rajoelina and Ravalomanana along with two of the nation’s former presidents, Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy. Former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano is mediating the discussions.

The breakthrough came when Ravalomanana, who has been living in exile in South Africa since fleeing Madagascar in March, obtained a general amnesty for himself and his supporters. In exchange, the deposed leader agreed not to participate in the political transition.

Sentenced in Absentia

“In the interests of the nation, and following consultations, it seems reasonable to me not to participate personally in the transition,” he told reporters. “However, the Marc Ravalomanana movement will actively participate within the different organs of the transition.”

Ravalomanana was sentenced in absentia in June to four years in jail for abuse of power and embezzlement. Ratsiraka, himself sentenced in absentia in 2003 to 10 years in jail by Ravalomanana, was also given amnesty.

Madagascar is the world’s No. 1 vanilla grower and one of the biggest producers of sapphires. It is also one of the world’s poorest countries, with per capita income declining to $290 in 2005 from $473 in 1970, according to the World Bank.

The talks in Maputo were held under the auspices of the United Nations, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and the International Organization of French-Speaking Countries.

To contact the reporter on this story: Fred Katerere in Maputo via Johannesburg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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