News from Madagascar

MAY 2010 update

Here there is still political deadlock. The opposition are insisting on power sharing before elections but Andry Rajoelina and the current government are refusing outside mediation and want to impose their own settlement. The opposition are set to boycott legislative elections.

The French seem to be tacitly supporting Andry Rajoelina and his administration but otherwise the interim government is internationally isolated. Over a year from the beginning of the crisis, international sanctions are beginning to fall on the administration. The African Union has already imposed sanctions, the European Union looks set to follow. The Americans have withdrawn tax free status on Malagasy exports so that many factories have shut down

Last week, a television interview was interrupted by soldiers who arrested a politician and destroyed computers and other equipment.

This week, soldiers interrupted a prayer meeting near a military base. The soldiers fought among themselves and a pastor and a civilian at home were killed.

Although unemployment and poverty is increasing, the streets are not dangerous, and it is peaceful in the country in Ambatoharanana. The onset of the harvest should ease poverty, but the economy is continuing its downward spiral.

Please pray for Madagascar.

Sam and Violette