Madagascar caught in France’s web of political control
Supporters of Madagascar opposition demonstrate on a fifth straight day of anti-government protests on April 25, 2018 in Antananarivo, calling for the president to step down. Former presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina are both candidates for the presidential elections on November 7. PHOTO | AFP
As the term of Madagascar's current president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, draws to a close and the island approaches national elections next month, questions abound as to whether peace and stability will be sustained in the crisis-ridden nation.
The chain of events that led to this state of affairs started almost 10 years ago, with the forced removal of Marc Ravalomanana. He was replaced by Andry Rajoelina, the leader of civil society protest group, propped up by the army.
