Ratsiraka flees to France

Sources close to former Madagascan president Didier Ratsiraka denied allegations on Friday that the veteran leader had fled the country to drum up military support. Ratsiraka's advisor Jose Andrianoelison told IRIN: "We do need support now ... military support is the most needed but the president did not tell me that he is going to Paris to buy a gun. Why would he go so far when he can get weapons from Angola or Brazzaville. His visit to France is more for diplomatic support. He [Ratsiraka] is a good friend of the French." In a dramatic turn of events on Thursday, Ratsiraka left the Indian Ocean island for France, the former colonial power, sparking speculation in local newspapers that Ratsiraka had left to take up exile in France. "I am going to Paris in order to find a solution to the serious crisis in Madagascar," Ratsiraka told French news agency, AFP before his departure. "I am not fleeing and I am not abandoning the Malagasy people." The pro-Ravalomanana Madagascar Tribune said: "In any case, since the government (Ravalomanana) forces have made advances in the provinces, the admiral will have decided he had no choice but to leave." Andrianoelison confirmed that the veteran leader had taken his wife and daughter Sophie with him to Paris. His other children are all believed to have left the country some time ago. Ratsiraka's departure came as military forces loyal to Ravalomanana took control of the north-western port town of Mahajanga, a Ratsiraka stronghold. While Ravalomanana is reported to have said on state radio that the blockade around the capital, Antananarivo, had been lifted. Ratsiraka's supporters imposed the crippling economic blockade around Antananarivo more than three months ago cutting off vital supplies. Political analyst, Didier Ramakavelo at the University of Madagascar said: "Ratsiraka's departure is ill-timed. At this crucial time his troops need some direction. He has left a power vacuum which Ravalomanana will happily fill. This is definitely to Ravalomanana's advantage. Hopefully, we will see a return to a united Madagascar" The country's problems began in December after the presidential elections, when both Ratsiraka and Ravalomanana claimed victory. Ravalomanana accused Ratsiraka of rigging the poll, and after months of demonstrations, strikes and rising violence, the two men agreed to a recount. The recount showed Ravalomanana won, but Ratsiraka refused to accept the result. Diplomatic attempts to end the six-month long political stalemate have failed. Last week both men rejected an Organisation of African Unity proposal calling for legislative elections to be held before the end of the year and for a balanced transitional government. Both rivals are expected to meet in Libreville, Gabon, next week but analysts were sceptical about the talks producing a lasting political solution. Gabon's President, Omar Bongo, was one of the heads of state involved in drafting the plan to end the crisis.