Andry Rajoelina hasbeen sworn in as Madagascar's new president in front of tens of thousands ofsupporters at a sports stadium.
Mr. Rajoelina, who had been the mayor of thecapital city, took power this week after protests and a loss of militarysupport forced President Marc Ravalomanana to resign.
Patricia Rajeriarisonisa is a resident of the capital Antananarivo. Shetold VOA?s Douglas Mpuga earlier today that there is a feeling ofanxiety in the capital as people do not know what to expect. ?The situation isreally quiet, there are no robberies and shops are not being broken into butthe people are anxious about the future. They are waiting for internationalrecognition (of the government) that does not seem to be there now.?
She said there has beentransition in the ministries, where some officials of the previous governmenthave handed over office to the Rojoeline officials.?the question is whetherthese incoming officials will perform to the peoples? expectations?.
Rajeriarison said there were many happy people in the streets but thequestion of international recognition still hangs on.
?Of course there is concern aboutinternational recognition. Madagascar relies on international aid although somepeople are saying that the international community cannot let down such a poorcountry (Madagascar)?.
She mentioned importantreform programs such as land tenure reform, and infrastructure programs thatthe country by itself cannot finance. ?I am not sure most of the populationrealizes the implications for the time being. But what I know ? through myexperience working in the development sector- is that there are many sectorssuch as tourism that depend on foreign investment. It is going to be difficult forthe new team (administration) to convince international investors to invest inMadagascar?.
Rajeriarisonconfirmed that some diplomats in Antananarivo boycotted the swearing-inceremony. ?Yes, even the papers wrote about it here. The United States and theEuropean Union members said they would not attend?.
On thewhereabouts of former president Marc Ravalomanana, she said there are reports thathe is still in the country. ?Nobody knows where exactly he is, but he is here. Hisfamily left but he is still here?.
Rajeriarison added that most people are asking for real nationalreconciliation. ?They hope there will be no witch hunting. I also hope that isthe case, but the other day, for example, the army went to Ravalomanana?shome. I guess they were looking for him but according to witnesses they damagedeverything there. It is something we have to be cautious of. People will notlike a witch hunt, she concluded.