Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Botswana condemns unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar

source: Republic of Botswana (23/3/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 8 of 2009
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

C3) 18/3/09: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Botswana condemns unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar

The Government of the Republic of Botswana condemns in the strongest terms the unconstitutional change of Government that took place in Madagascar on 17 March 2009.

The Government of Botswana has in the recent weeks been following with concern the deteriorating political situation in the SADC member state of Madagascar, due to some political wrangling between the elected President Mr. Marc Ravalomanana and the Mayor of Antananarivo Mr. Andry Rajolina.  Botswana had hoped that all sides would work towards a peaceful resolution, which is consistent with the democratic process and the Constitution of that country. Regrettably, the Military in Madagascar, in a move that is unconstitutional, forced the resignation of President Ravalomanana and in turn appointed opposition leader Mr. Andry Rajolina as President of Madagascar.

The appointment of Mr. Rajolina as president cannot be accepted as it does not only violate the democratic process and Constitution in Madagascar, but it violates the core principles of SADC, the African Union and the United Nations.

Botswana therefore does not and cannot recognise the appointment of Mr. Andry Rajolina as President of Madagascar.

Botswana calls on the other SADC and AU member states to do the same and bring pressure to bear on the authorities in Madagascar to return that country back to democratic rule.