Ousted Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana has accused France of supporting the coup that drove him from office.
In
comments made in South Africa and broadcast to supporters in Madagascar
Tuesday, Mr. Ravalomanana said France is lobbying French-speaking
countries to recognize what he called the "putschist" regime of current
leader Andry Rajoelina.
Mr. Ravalomanna accused the French of
wanting to re-colonize Madagascar and enslave the people. A former
French colony, Madagascar regained its independence in 1960.
After
weeks of political turmoil earlier this year, Mr. Ravalomanana was
driven from office and Mr. Rajoelina was installed as president by the
military.
The United Nations is sponsoring talks in an effort to stabilize the Indian Ocean island nation.
Mediators
announced a breakthrough in the talks last Friday, saying the feuding
parties had agreed to form an inclusive government. However, one
delegation has since quit the negotiations and the talks were suspended.
Mr.
Ravalomanana has had a tense relationship with France. Last July, he
expelled the French ambassador Gildas Le Lidec, who had been in the
country only a few months.
Madagascar's current leader, Mr.
Rajoelina, is not recognized by either the African Union or the
Southern African Development Community. Both groups have suspended
Madagascar's membership.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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