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13 June 2003
Madagascar Briefing Notes



Profile
Madagascar is the world's fourth biggest island. Because of its isolation most of its mammals, half its birds, and most of its plants exist nowhere else on earth. The island is heavily exposed to tropical cyclones, which bring torrential rains and destructive floods, such as the ones in early 2000, which left thousands homeless. The Malagasy are thought to be descendents of Africans and Indonesians who settled the island more than 2,000 years ago. Malagasy pay a lot of attention to their dead and spend much effort on ancestral tombs, which are opened from time to time so the remains can be carried in procession, before being rewrapped in fresh shrouds.
After sometimes harsh French colonial rule, Madagascar gained independence in 1960. The military seized power in the early 1970s with the aim of achieving a socialist paradise, which however did not materialise. The economy went into decline and by 1982 the authorities were forced to adopt a structural adjustment programme imposed by the International Monetary Fund. Madagascar has maintained strong ties with France and developed economic and cultural links with francophone west Africa.


President: Marc Ravalomanana

Since the controversial 16 December elections the Mayor of Antananarivo, Marc Ravalomanana, has been gaining unprecedented levels of public support. The self-proclaimed president of Madagascar is young, rich and good-looking. He has a huge following in the country's capital, Antananarivo, where he has installed his own people in the government ministries of incumbent President Didier Ratsiraka. And his image has become something of a brand name in Madagascar, where the political orientation of the people is less clear. However, not much is known about his policies or indeed what he plans to do if he gains control of the rest of the country.
Rags to riches
A self-made multi-millionaire, Mr. Ravalomanana is the embodiment of the rags to riches story. From humble beginnings he was educated by missionaries in his village of Imerikasina, 25 kilometres outside Antananarivo. He completed his secondary education in Sweden at a strict Protestant school. Mr Ravalomanana was in his early 20s when he abandoned the academic road to become a businessman. He started producing home made yogurt, which he sold on the streets of Antananarivo off the back of his bicycle, with the help of his wife Lalao. Less than two years later, assisted by the Protestant Church, of which today he is the vice president, Mr Ravalomanana managed to secure a loan from the World Bank to purchase his first factory. Today his sprawling empire TIKO, the largest non foreign owned company in Madagascar, has a monopoly on all dairy and oil products sold on the island.
As the Mayor of Antananarivo and self-proclaimed president Mr Ravalomanana has earned himself a reputation as someone who gets things done his way. In the three years since his election as mayor, the capital has undergone a dramatic transformation. Today it is cleaner and far more organised, comment Antananarivians. However, Mr Ravalomanana's almost fanatical attack on what he described as the "filth and anarchy" of Antananarivo has made him many enemies.
Hardliner
There was outcry in the national assembly in September 2000 when he ordered over 100 inhabited houses deemed too ugly to be bulldozed in his clean up operation. Mr Ravalomanana's reputation as something of a hard-liner is equally reflected in his approach to politics. He has, on many occasions, made it quite clear that once he has gained power he will get people to work, if necessary by force. In his own words: "What the Malagasy need now is discipline."
Rural uncertainty
Although Mr Ravalomanana is an inspiration for his supporters in urban Madagascar, his popularity in the rural areas where traditionally the ruling party has enjoyed its strongest power base is uncertain. Initially a timid public speaker with a little voice, he has grown in confidence since the election period and unlike the incumbent president he thrives upon the attention of the media. However, Mr. Ravalomanana's habit, during the election campaign, of touring towns with an entourage of several helicopters, saying a few words and then disappearing off again did not please many in many remote areas. Madagascar's rural voters expected to be wooed by more traditional oration, an eloquence he is said to lack.
Possibility of a change
It remains to be seen whether Mr Marc Ravalomanana will be accepted now that he has installed his new government. The question that many are asking is whether he will gain the full support of the army under the current state of martial law declared by Mr Ratsiraka. When questioned about his socio-economic policies, Mr Ravalomanana's answers are less than satisfactory, casting doubts of whether he is sure of them himself. However, for the people of the capital, Antananarivo, and many more across the rest of the vast island who have lived through 20 years of Mr Ratsiraka's rule, the hope of change appears enough.
Ravalomanana was born in the village of Imerikasina, not far from Antananarivo. In true rags-to-riches fashion, he began his working life selling home-made yogurt off the back of a bicycle. His dairy and oil products business is now the largest non-foreign-owned company on the island and Ravalomanana enjoys millionaire status. He took to the political stage in 1999 and built up a huge following in Antananarivo. As mayor of the capital he was credited with instigating a major clean-up operation in the city. Ravalomanana claimed outright victory in presidential elections in December 2001 and a bitter six-month struggle for power with veteran leader Didier Ratsiraka ensued. Shortly after the US and France recognised Ravalomanana as the legitimate leader, Ratsiraka flew to France and his forces on the island switched sides.
Ravalomanana has promised to use his entrepreneurial flair to fight the poverty and unemployment, which afflict many Madagascans. But he has inherited an economy, which is suffering after months of economic disruption and political violence. National state radio and TV came under the control of presidential contender Ravalomanana in March 2002 during the power struggle with veteran leader Ratsiraka. Ravalomanana also owns the private Malagasy Broadcasting System, which operates the MBS TV and Radio MBS networks. Many private radio stations in the capital are owned by pro-Ravalomanana politicians.
A boom in privately-owned FM radio stations and more critical political reporting by the print media followed 1990's law on press freedom. Although nationwide radio and TV broadcasting remains the monopoly of the state, there were some 80 private FM radio stations operating across the country by 1999. There has been a similar trend in local TV stations.


Ratsiraka: 'Big man' cut to size



Ratsiraka has bounced back in the past. Madagascar's former President, Admiral Didier Ratsiraka, has flown to Seychelles with his family after his forces suffered a series of military defeats. This could be the end of the political road for a man who has been president of Madagascar for 23 of the last 26 years. He was one of the last remaining African presidents refusing to hand over power in the face of a new challenge.
There was a time when Mr Ratsiraka, 65, was known by the people of the Red Island as "Deba", meaning the big man. It was a fond term of respect for a leader who for years represented the only credible claim to the presidency in Madagascar. But Mr Ratsiraka's dominance looks like it is at an end now that the recently inaugurated president, Marc Ravalomanana, has control of most the island and has been recognised as president by France and the United States.
Military beginnings
Didier Ratsiraka's career, like so many of his political contemporaries, began in the military. He was one of a handful of people from the underdeveloped areas of coastal Madagascar who gained government sponsorship to study at the famous naval academy in Brest, in western France. He trained as a naval engineer. Mr Ratsiraka was known as a brilliant and resourceful officer, who was described as the best student from amongst his predominantly aristocratic French contemporaries. On his return to Madagascar, he was appointed minister of foreign affairs under the transitional government of General Ramantsoa, at a time when Madagascar's nationalist movement was rapidly gaining momentum.
But it was in 1972, when Mr Ratsiraka successfully re-negotiated Madagascar's position as a French protectorate, that people began to look at him as the country's next leader. His initial popularity, resulting from his socialist policies quickly earned him the image of the champion of the masses. A man of considerable charm, fluent in French and English, he had a deep understanding of the island's traditions, so important in dealings with Madagascar's predominantly rural population. However, his public appeal could not conceal his political failings. By the late 1980s, Mr Ratsiraka's brand of socialism had made the country desperately poor.
Political downfall
The admiral's regime started to buckle under the weight of growing opposition. Unforgettable evidence of his stubborn resistance to change was seen in 1991 when 130 people were killed by the presidential security forces. Mr Ratsiraka had ordered them to open fire on crowds demanding his resignation. Later that year he was voted out of office and went into self-imposed exile.
Re-election
But in 1994, Mr Ratsiraka was re-elected. He promised increased co-operation with the international community and liberalisation of the economy. But his attempt to seek another term in office ran into strong opposition from Marc Ravalomanana, the mayor of Antananarivo. His challenger generated substantial support and the result of the election gave him the lead but not a conclusive victory. Mr Ratsiraka was prepared to go to a second round of elections but his opponent accused him of rigging the first vote. A violent conflict ensued with Didier Ratsiraka setting up his headquarters in Tamatave, while Marc Ravalomanana controlled Antananarivo. After months of stalemate, a recount was held and the High Constitutional Court declared Mr Ravalomanana the winner. Having lost the election, Mr Ratsiraka then lost the military struggle. Although Mr Ratsiraka has bounced back from defeat once before, his chances of regaining power this time look very poor indeed.
Madagascar poll 'unfair'

The opposition in Madagascar is alleging that voting in Sunday's parliamentary elections was manipulated. Early results indicate that parties supporting President Marc Ravalomanana look set to gain a huge majority in the new parliament. The main opposition party of the former President, Didier Ratsiraka, is citing a number of irregularities. Western donors, including the United States and the European Union, put pressure for the poll, originally scheduled for May 2003, to be brought forward before they release $2.4m they have pledged.
'Undemocratic'
Most of the results of the major towns and cities are now in and they all reflect a clear and undeniable trend, that the alliance of parties supporting President Ravalomanana will have a huge majority in parliament. That alliance known as National Solidarity is predicting that it will have more than 100 out of the 160 seats in parliament. Collating information from the polling stations in some of the remoter areas of the country is taking a lot longer. Now the opposition party, The Vanguard for Madagascan Renewal (Arema), is saying that the election was undemocratic. It says that in many polling stations ballot papers contained the names of candidates from the party who were not actually standing in the election because they had boycotted it.
Popularity test
They say National Solidarity is therefore trying to disguise these elections as democratic when they were not. They also allege that in one town in the north-east of the country, 400 people voted twice. This election has been seen as a test of the popularity of the new president following elections a year ago in which no outright winner emerged. International donors suspended much needed aid for the country pending the outcome of these elections. Observers from the European Union will announce their first conclusions into the conduct of these elections on Wednesday.

Ratsiraka moots Madagascar return

Ratsiraka arrived in Paris with his wife. Madagascar's former President has said that he could return to the island if new elections are called. Mr Ratsiraka was speaking in Paris, where he arrived on Sunday with members of his family and political colleagues. The island has been divided since disputed elections last December, with Mr Ratsiraka refusing to accept defeat. Mr Ravalomanana told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme that the struggle was over now and they had control of the whole country - but he ruled out the rerun of elections.
Corruption charges
Mr Ratsiraka had fled Madagascar and arrived in Paris after stopping for two days in the Seychelles. France, which last week recognised Mr Ravalomanana as president, did not arrange any official welcome for Mr Ratsiraka. Mr Ratsiraka told reporters at Charles de Gaulle airport that there should be a second round of elections or a referendum. "If democracy returns and we prepare for new elections, then I will go back," said the ousted president. However, a minister in the new government said that Mr Ratsiraka would be sought for trial on corruption and political violence charges. "We have always said Ratsiraka is a criminal and that we will pursue him wherever he is," said Communications Minister Mamy Rakotoarivelo.

Madagascar head to pursue ex-president

Ravalomanana's rule has been recognised by the US. President Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar has said he intends to arrest the former President, Didier Ratsiraka, and try him for encouraging violence in the country and for alleged embezzlement during his time in office. The ex-head of state fled the Indian Ocean island two weeks ago and is now in exile in France, after disputed elections caused a seven-month political crisis. Mr Ravalomanana is now trying to kick-start the country's economy after being recognized as the legitimate head of state by a wide range of countries, including America and the former colonial power, France. Fighting corruption and boosting the economy are Mr Ravalomanana's self-declared priorities for rebuilding Madagascar - but pursuing the former president also features heavily in his plans.
Series of arrests
Mr Ratsiraka, who led the country for 22 years, fled to France two weeks ago when the former colonial power said it recognized Mr Ravalomanana as the new head of state and after a series of military defeats. Now the new president says he wants to investigate Mr Ratsiraka with the intention of arresting him and putting him on trial under international law. "We will accuse him under international law... and we will build a commission to arrest him," Mr Ravalomanana said. He pointed to the violence during the past few months and the disappearance of money from the central bank. A number of Mr Ratsiraka supporters have already been arrested, including his prime minister. But President Ravalomanana said he would bring them to trial quickly and judge them according to the country's laws. He denied that a witch-hunt was going on to track down supporters of the old regime.
Profile of Bilateral Relations
South Africa and Madagascar has had full diplomatic relations since 1991. The South African Embassy in Antananarivo was closed down in 1996. The South African High Commission in Port Louis, Mauritius is responsible for bilateral relations with Madagascar. Madagascar has a Consulate in Johannesburg with 3 diplomats and an honourary Consulate in Durban. Visas are required for South Africans.
Madagascar under President Ratsiraka during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s was an important ally of the African National Congress. They had an Office there under former MP, HG Loots (James Stuart), and Radio Freedom broadcasted through Radio Madagascar. The new President Ravolomanana has indicated that he wants Madagascar to join SADC and develop closer trade relations with South Africa.
TRADE STATISTICS (all figures in ZAR)

Issues for Members to Consider

How can the AU, SADC and South Africa assist Madagascar in returning to a fully tolerant political atmosphere, where the opposition will feel able to contest elections freely? This should include an end to what can be seen as a witch hunt conducted by the new government against former members of the Ratsiraka government as well as allowing him to return from exile without fear of being arrested.
How can Madagascar be encouraged to join SADC and become a more integrated part of the region.
How can trade, travel and cultural relations be strengthened between Madagascar and South Africa?




Sources
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ma.html
http://www.dfa.gov.za/for-relations/bilateral/madagascar.htm
http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign-sa/form.htm
http://www.dfa.gov.za/sa-abroad/sam.htm#MADAGASCAR
http://www.dti.gov.za/econdb/trademap/madaga-w1.gif
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2145344.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1866530.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2098635.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2115198.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2583499.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1063208.stm
http://www.statssa.gov.za