Madagascar

Concessions made by Ravalomanana and Rajoelina as talks begin

Article published on the 2009-02-12 Latest update 2009-02-13 09:47 TU

Mayor Andry Rajoelina (R) and French Secretary of State for Cooperation Alain Joyandet (L)
(Photo: AFP)

Political rivals in Madagascar have started talks, which could put an end to the unrest which has claimed almost 100 lives, according to a French envoy.

French Secretary of State for Cooperation Alain Joyandet opened negotiations between President Marc Ravalomanana and the ex-Mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, on Wednesday.

“We have a feeling that each – Ravalomanana and Rajoelina – will work to see that this crisis ends without sparking another grave incident like the one on Saturday,” Joyandet said.

The talks involved three members from each side, a day after a pro-government rally attracted thousands of supporters and Rajoelina called a general strike.

“The President and the Mayor made significant concessions, during their meeting, especially with French Secretary of State for Co-operation Alain Joyandet,” says correspondent Nick Champeaux.

“He told the press yesterday, that the President Marc Ravalomanana, had agreed to give up on plans to arrest ex-Mayor Andry Rajoelina […] and Rajoelina gave up on plans to organise marches on ministries,” Champeaux told RFI.

But "no one knew there was actually a warrant of arrest against the Mayor,” he added.

Rajoelina has accused Ravalomanana of being a dictator and has begun setting up his own rival cabinet. The movement has been fuelled by discontent over poverty and living conditions in the country.