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Madagascar suspended from AU after 'coup'
Source: Agencies |
March 21, 2009, Saturday
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THE African Union suspended Madagascar yesterday, the strongest condemnation yet by the international community after opposition leader Andry Rajoelina took power with the support of the army.
The AU decision echoed criticism by southern African bloc SADC, the European Union and the United States. Weeks of political unrest in Madagascar have killed at least 135 people, devastated the economy and worried foreign investors.
"The council is of the opinion that what occurred in Madagascar enters the definition of unconstitutional change of government," said Burkina Faso ambassador Bruno Nongoma Zidouemba, chairman of the AU's peace and security council.
"The council then decided to suspend the participation of Madagascar to the bodies and organs of the AU."
Madagascar's elected president Marc Ravalomanana was forced out on Tuesday after weeks of opposition protests that won the support of the military.
"It can be interpreted as a coup," Zidouemba said. "In this case, we have a case where a civilian and military coup has taken place in Madagascar."
The AU said the country's new administration had six months to call an election, as provided for by the Malagasy constitution.
Roindefo Monja, prime minister in Rajoelina's transitional administration, said the new government would plead its case before the AU and the international community.
"What can they say about a fight for liberty and democracy? What crime has been committed?" he said. "We will explain to the whole world our cause ... The people demanded liberty and the military rallied to the popular movement but it did not seize power ... We are confident the international community will understand."
Monja added that he did not expect donor nations to cut aid, saying they were interested in Madagascar's long-term stability.
At 34, Rajoelina is Africa's newest and youngest president. He will be inaugurated tomorrow.
The AU decision echoed criticism by southern African bloc SADC, the European Union and the United States. Weeks of political unrest in Madagascar have killed at least 135 people, devastated the economy and worried foreign investors.
"The council is of the opinion that what occurred in Madagascar enters the definition of unconstitutional change of government," said Burkina Faso ambassador Bruno Nongoma Zidouemba, chairman of the AU's peace and security council.
"The council then decided to suspend the participation of Madagascar to the bodies and organs of the AU."
Madagascar's elected president Marc Ravalomanana was forced out on Tuesday after weeks of opposition protests that won the support of the military.
"It can be interpreted as a coup," Zidouemba said. "In this case, we have a case where a civilian and military coup has taken place in Madagascar."
The AU said the country's new administration had six months to call an election, as provided for by the Malagasy constitution.
Roindefo Monja, prime minister in Rajoelina's transitional administration, said the new government would plead its case before the AU and the international community.
"What can they say about a fight for liberty and democracy? What crime has been committed?" he said. "We will explain to the whole world our cause ... The people demanded liberty and the military rallied to the popular movement but it did not seize power ... We are confident the international community will understand."
Monja added that he did not expect donor nations to cut aid, saying they were interested in Madagascar's long-term stability.
At 34, Rajoelina is Africa's newest and youngest president. He will be inaugurated tomorrow.
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