Madagascar: why Paris does not react to the conviction of two French people

At the Apollo 21 trial, Tuesday, December 7.

The police force was very impressive in front of and inside the courtroom.

© S. Tétaud / RFI

Text by: RFI Follow

The French authorities remain very discreet after the conviction Friday of two of their nationals in Madagascar.

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Paul Rafanoharana and Philippe François, a former colonel in the French army, were sentenced by the Malagasy courts for an attempted coup against President Rajoelina. 

According to researcher Olivier Vallée, author of

, joined by

, from the Africa service of RFI, Paris does not want to aggravate already degraded relations with Antananarivo.

I think it's a silence dictated by caution because originally, there, there was a lot of talk about the involvement of the first French adviser, who is someone very visible.

For France, it was desirable that there be no expansion of other responsibilities in a context of already difficult relations with the Malagasy presidency.

The balloon is deflating.

The warning, in particular by bringing Victor Ramahatra [former Prime Minister] to court, was heard by the Malagasy army.

It is a moment which made it possible to defuse a number of alarms or threats for the regime in place which should now be inclined to perhaps more indulgence vis-à-vis the two convicts.

Olivier Vallée

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