RB Tips Madagascar Political Stakeholders

Aubrey Musuumba

7 June 2011

Gaborone — PRESIDENT Rupiah BANDA has called on Madagascar political stakeholders to champion a Spirit of “giveand take.

“Speaking during the opening ceremony of the SADC Heads of Statemediation meeting on the political crisis in Madagascar yesterday,President Banda who is Chairman of the SADC organ on Politics, Defenceand Security Cooperation said the interest of the people of Madagascarshould override the partisan and personal interest of the leaders inMadagascar.

He said the meeting was the ultimate opportunity for the Madagascarpolitical stakeholders to make decisions that would take the countryforward.

President Banda urged the Madagascar political leaders to cease theopportunity and ensure that they emerged from the meeting with a roadfor free and credible elections that should be held within areasonable period of time.

He further said transparency would be key to legitimizing theelections. President Banda said the Indian Ocean Island had gonethough political and security instability which must be restored.

President Banda said SADC was determined to see the return of peace inMadagascar so that it too can experience peace and security.

And SADC Chairman and Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohambaappealed to the Madagascar political leaders to embrace each other toalleviate the suffering of the many people in that country.

President Pohamba said the people in the Indian Ocean Island hadsuffered a lot due to pro-longed crisis in that country.

He said hewas, however, pleased that all stakeholders on Madagascar hadturned up for the meeting.

Ousted Madagascar leader Marc Ravalomanana and his rival AndryRajoelina are both in attendance.

Also in attendance is SADC Mediatoron Madagascar , former Mozambican President Joachim Chisano.

Madagascar has been in a political crisis following an uprising thattoppled the democratically elected President Ravalomanana .

Thecountry is presently being headed by Andry Rajoelina. Meanwhile, President Banda who left Lusaka aboard the PresidentialChallenger at about 08:30 hours was seen off by minister of defenseKalombo Mwansa, Presidential affairs minister Ronald Mukuma, servicechiefs and other government officials.

The President’s special assistant for Press and Public RelationsDickson Jere told Reporters at the Lusaka international Airport thatPresident Banda would not speak but wants to continue intensivebriefings with journalists at State House which he would continueorganising.

The President who is the chairman of the SADC organ on defence andsecurity cooperation and was mandated by the SADC heads of state andgovernment meeting that took place in Namibia about a fortnight ago.

That meeting agreed to convene a special meeting of all politicalparties in Madagascar at the SADC secretariat. The gathering alsoagreed on a proposed road map for the peace process in Madagascar.

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