A delegation of the Indian OceanCommission will be meeting deposed Antananarivo mayor Andry Rajoelina today aspart of its effort to resolve Madagascar's political impasse. The commission isin Madagascar to assess the current political stalemate between embattledPresident Marc Ravalomanana and the former Antananarivo mayor. The commissionmet with Ravalomanana yesterday after ruling party partisans demonstrated inthe capital to show their support for the president. Meanwhile, Rajoelina iscalling for a fresh protest march today to demand President Ravalomanana'sresignation. Malagasy journalist Mialy Randriamampianina tells reporter PeterClottey there seems to be a lot of confusion among the general population.
"TheIndian Ocean Commission delegation with the French Secretary for Cooperationand Francophony, AlainJoyandet, arein Madagascar to assess the situation in this country. So today, the delegationwould hold a meeting with Andry Rajoelina after they held a meeting withPresident Marc Ravalomanana yesterday," Randriamampianina pointed out.
Shesaid the delegation would assess the situation in order to find a solution tothe political impasse between the president and the deposed mayor.
"Theyare trying to find a solution to really resolve the ongoing political crisishere in Madagascar. So that is why they are making this assessment," she said.
Randriamampianinasaid the Africa Union special envoy is also in the country as part of aconcerted effort by African leaders to resolve the crisis.
"TheAfrican Union Commission has sent an emissary that is currently in the country.And he is here to mediate between President Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina.But we have not been told when the meeting and discussion is going to takeplace, although we know it would be happening soon," Randriamampianina pointedout.
Meanwhile, thousands gathered Wednesday for apro-government rally in Antananarivo, in a massive show of support forPresident Ravalomanana, the first such effort to counter opposition protestsand reaffirm his grip on power.
Some political analystsbelieve Rajoelina enjoys considerable support because of the widespread povertyon the island, which they claim has fuelled his strength. But some of those whoprotested for the president Wednesday were reportedly there to express their concern that sustainedunrest would simply further deplete their income.
Both President Ravalomananaand opposition leader Rajoelina have accepted in principle to holdnegotiations, with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon acting as the facilitatorfor the talks. But despite the agreement the opposition leader has vowed tocontinue with his call for protest marches until the president resigns fromoffice.