Madagascar: Fear of More Strife After President’s Resignation · Global Voices
And then there was one.
The power struggle that has plagued Madagascar since January may have come to an end. Yesterday, after attempts by <PERSON> supporters to remove President <PERSON> from office, the army, which has now sided with <PERSON>, took control of the presidential palace in Ambotsirohatra.
A few hours later, <PERSON> officially resigned and transferred power to a military committee (mg/fr) composed of four army generals loyal to him. <PERSON> refused to accept the handover, and the generals were arrested by soldiers loyal to <PERSON>, along with a pastor assisting with the mediation (mg). The pastor was also later found beaten by civilians.
Footage of the abusive treatment of the army generals by former mutineers were a reminder that violence might still be erupting in a divided country.
There were many celebrations in the streets of Antananarivo following the news that <PERSON> resigned.
However, Ravalomanana supporters are said to plan be planning a rally for Wednesday in <PERSON> stadium to protest what they consider a “coup d'etat”.
Malagasy soldiers in Antananarivo
[Photo credit to Foko-Madagascar on Foko-Madagascar on Flickr]
Desepite this major turning point, the simmering tension and division among Malagasy bloggers who are afraid of what tomorrow may bring, was palpable.
Journalist/Blogger <PERSON> talked to Voice of America about what the people fear:
There is great confusion among the people because up to now we don't really have any information about what the rally is going to be about and what they are going to do. And again, we are worried about trouble in terms of clashes between supporters of <PERSON> and the supporters of <PERSON>. There was an event just over a week ago where there were some confrontations and violence between the two camps. So, that kind of rally always creates trouble and we are worried about violence in this country
Blogger <PERSON> echoes that statement in her interview with Le Monde even though she is “glad” <PERSON> resigned (fr):
…on ne sait pas vraiment ce que veut faire l'opposition. Je crains le pire. <PERSON> n'a pas l'étoffe d'un président. Il est trop jeune et manque d'expérience. Je doute de sa capacité à mener le pays
We don't really know what the opposition wants to do. I fear the worst. 830
<PERSON> does not have what it takes to be a president. He is too young and lacks experience. I doubt his ability to lead the country.
<PERSON> is thrilled that <PERSON> is out and that <PERSON> is in charge of the HAT (the transition government) (fr):
<PERSON>, le petit laitier d’Imerikasinina, a été renié par ceux à qui il venait de remettre les pleins pouvoirs. Ils n’ont pas voulu vendre leur âme au diable. Les carottes sont cuites pour ce président qui a montré son véritable visage. A force de jouer avec le feu et les idoles, on se brûle. Ce fut vraiment le combat de la lumière et des ténèbres.
<PERSON>, the little milk man from Imerikasinina, was rejected by the very ones he gave power to. They did not want to sell their soul to the devil. The deed is done for this president who showed his real face. When you play with fire and idols, you get burnt. It was truly the victory of light over darkness.
<PERSON> has a different take (mg):
Manahy dia manahy aho raha ny zavatra hita androany no ijerena ny ampitso fa dia tena faneriterena tsy misy toy izany no hihatra amin'ny tsirairay hanatanterahana ny sitrapon'ny mpitondra vaovaon'ny firenena <PERSON> fa tsy ekeko satria an-terisetra no nanaovany ny zavatra rehetra.
I am concerned. If what I saw today is indicative of the future, we will live with very strict restrictions on individual freedom to please this new leader. 1010