Madagascar security agencies tell politicians to resolve crisis

An anti-government demonstration in the streets of Madagascar capital Antananarivo. The security agencies have called on the political leaders to resolve the raging crisis. RIVONALA RAZAFISON | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• Attempts by religious leaders and the international community to resolve the Malagasy crisis have so far been unsuccessful
• Anti-governmental protests continue while President Hery Rajaonarimampianina has rejected the opposition calls for his resignation

By RIVONALA RAZAFISON
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The Malagasy security agencies have appealed to the political leaders to resolve the raging electoral dispute.

“As law enforcement officials, we are calling loud and clear for the leaders of the political parties to take their full responsibility to resolve the current crisis as soon as possible,” the security agencies said in a statement.

The statement, read by the Defence minister, Gen Béni-Xavier Rasolofonirina, also warned against any provocations and subversive acts.

Interest groups

Citing articles of laws, the security agencies called for full respect of all citizens’ fundamental rights, even in the state of a crisis.

“We are appealing to all citizens, without exception, to no longer be manipulated by the various interest groups,” reads the statement.

It was the second issued by the heads of the army and the police since the onset of the fresh crisis with a political rally on April 21. The rally was violently repressed by the security agents.

RELATED CONTENT: Appeal for calm in tense Madagascar

However, Mr Roberto Tinoka, an MP allied to former President Andry Rajoelina, criticised the the security agents for doing too little too late.

“Where were you when people denounced the repetitive violation of the constitution and abuses by this regime?'' he asked.

Mr Tinoka said the security agencies would have saved the situation by acting in good time.

The new laws

Attempts by religious leaders and the international community to resolve the Malagasy crisis have so far been unsuccessful.

Anti-governmental protests continue while President Hery Rajaonarimampianina has rejected the opposition calls for his resignation.

The parties of former presidents Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomanana have been organising the anti-government protests.

The two, who were both barred from contesting the 2013 elections, fear that the new laws being front by President Rajaonarimampianina's wing, were aimed at locking them out of the next race later this year.