Potential Hot Spots: July 5, 2002

Archives

Madagascan and French sources report Didier Ratsiraka has left Madagascar. A plane carrying Ratsiraka, his family, and several close supporters left Toamasina for the Seychelles Islands. Some reports say a second plane also left carrying Ratsiraka supporters, baggage, and weaponry. Another two planes hauling Ratsiraka aides later flew from Madagascar to Mauritius. Sources said it appears Ratsirakas leaving for good, and Ratsiraka supporters on the island indicate this is the case. It looks as if the RATs are indeed abandoning the island. Why quit now? France pulled the political plug on July 3. The French recognition of Marc Ravalomanana's government left Ratsiraka without any international support. Of course, Ravalomanana was winning the war on the ground as well as deftly handling the political battles. The fall of Antsiranana meant pro-RAV forces could concentrate on Toamasina. A Ravalomanana spokesman, however, says it isnt over. AFP quoted one Ravalomanana aide as saying "He (Ratsiraka) is a terrorist. People like him should be jailed to set an example to African nations." (Austin Bay)

 

Article Archive

Potential Hot Spots: Current 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   Contribute   Close