- The marching through the gates of the presidential palace in Anatananarivo, signalled the end of Marc Ravalomanana's dear hold to power. But, does it also bring an end to the bloody six weeks of violent protests and clashes in the Indian Ocean Island, which have killed more than 100 people?
Madagascar's president Ravalomanana finally made his resignation today to the disappointment of his supporters, who had vowed to die with him, offering a human shield to protect their president against invading members of the security forces.
That has all come to end, with opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina expected to officially take office, against the odds of the Malagasy constitution which classifies him as just a baby to be at the political high seat of the country.
Though president Marc Ravalomanana had said he is transferring power to the military board, the sleazy army generals seem too scared to face the world against what could be termed a military coup, though technical, most political observers, see it to be nothing else, but a military backed take over. The army would rather back 'the trouble-maker' Andry rajoelina finish what he had already started, and probably face the condemnation of the world alone.
For the 34-years old leader's supporters, the final giving in, by the president, signals a huge victory for the former DJ and sacked Mayor of Antananarivo. As had already been indicated earlier, their rush would be to change the constitution, especially the lines disqualifying leaders like Mr Rajoelina as young boys, who still need some bit of dressing before joining the high table.
The new administration would also have a huge challenge to rebuilding investor confidence as well as the almost bashed down tourism industry. Six weeks of violence was enough to drive everybody out, and this may take years to undo.
Initially Mr Rajoelina had also called for the arrest of the president, but it was not immediately established what had happened to the president after his resignation statement on the national radio.
Mr Ravalomanana has continually said the request by the opposition was not legitimate and his last offer to save the situation by offering a referendum to decide his fate, was totally rejected by the opposition and the new army head, saying it was time demanding.
For some political analysists, the closing of the curtain on the first episode in Madagascar's drama could open a new page for change in Africa's democracy, saying the mildness and cautious statements by the continental bodies could be a clear indication of the freight by some of the African leaders, who are probably hiding behind loud drums of democracy that ends at the poll gates, while perpetuating authoritarian dictatorships under the smart international appearance masks.
However, for some, if left unchallenged, the Malagasy drama could sent new waves of a chaotic democratic anarchy in the continent, that will drive Africa back to more than a decade status of hunger, disease, war and fetish politicking.
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