Madagascar rivals agree power-sharing deal

Sun Aug 9, 2009 9:43am GMT
 

By Alain Iloniaina

MAPUTO (Reuters) - Madagascar's feuding leaders said on Sunday they had agreed a power-sharing deal and would hold elections on the giant Indian Ocean island within 15 months.

A communique issued after talks in Mozambique's capital said a national unity government would be set up comprised of a prime minister, three deputy first ministers and 28 members.

"They agreed the transition period will not exceed 15 months ... and will end with elections under international supervision that will lead to the restoration of democratic institutions and stability in Madagascar," the statement said.

The deal was struck late on Saturday. Talks continue on Sunday as the leaders and their aides discuss the composition of the power-sharing administration.

Former President Marc Ravalomanana, who was toppled in March by his army-backed rival Andry Rajoelina, said he would return to Madagascar but not personally take part in the process.

The agreement also included a section cancelling charges of abuse of office levelled against Ravalomanana after his departure related to the purchase of a presidential jet.

"I solemnly declare my total availability to help resolve this crisis," the ousted leader told reporters after days of talks in Maputo. "The Ravalomanana movement will be an integral part of the transition bodies."

The discussions, which began on Wednesday, were the first time he and Rajoelina had met face to face since the coup.  Continued...

Photo
Photo
Life with the lions

Kenya’s Maasai warriors are known for being fearless lion killers but times have changed and the country’s lion’s population is in danger of being wiped out. Now the Maasai in southern Kenya are taking part in an initiative to preserve the big cats.  Blog 

 
Photo
Is an independent south Sudan now inevitable?

So, is it now inevitable that Sudan’s oil-producing south will decide to split away from the north as an independent country in a looming secession referendum in 2011?  Blog 

 
Photo
Do Ethiopia’s politicians mean it on democracy?

On the evening of the 20th of March 1878, Ethiopia’s two great rivals, Emperors Yohannes IV and Menelik II, came face-to-face to thrash out their differences.  Blog 

 
Photo
The African brain drain

Africa is suffering from a massive brain drain and it’s questionable whether enough of those highly motivated students studying in America will return home in large enough numbers to really make a difference...  Blog 

 
Photo
Is Sudan’s Darfur crisis getting too much attention?

Activists often say that the world is not paying enough attention to Sudan’s Darfur crisis. But could the opposite be true?   Blog 

 
Photo
Vatican synod urges corrupt African leaders to quit

Roman Catholic bishops called on corrupt Catholic leaders in Africa on Friday to repent or resign for giving the continent and the Church a bad name.  Blog