Madagascar: Foreign Minister sacked after his vote on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict
Richard Randriamandrato, when signing a book of condolences at Lancaster House after the death of British Queen Elizabeth II, in London, September 18, 2022. AP - Jonathan Hordle
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
Richard Randriamandrato was appointed head of the Malagasy Foreign Ministry last March.
This Tuesday, he was dismissed by decision of President Rajoelina.
He is accused of having taken alone the decision to vote in favor of the UN resolution condemning "the illegal annexations of Russia in Ukraine", while Madagascar has always claimed to be part of the "non-aligned countries".
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With our correspondent in Antananarivo
,
Sarah Tétaud
Madagascar had always abstained during the votes on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict to mark its neutrality.
And the removal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs from the government following this vote nevertheless raises some questions.
"
This decision to vote 'for', I took it in my soul and conscience
," says Richard Randriamandrato, contacted by RFI
minutes after the announcement of his dismissal.
"
I do not think that the interest of the nation has been endangered by this vote
," he continues, "
history will judge the rest
."
On the other hand, to the question "
does this mean that you voted in favor of the resolution without having previously discussed it with the President of the Republic
", the Minister eludes: "
I will not react on this
", indicates he.
A surprising vote
At the ministry, the reason for his dismissal is perplexing.
“
It's amazing that he didn't receive any instructions.
Before acting, he is obliged to take directives, especially for such an important vote.
»
Same observation of astonishment within the chancelleries contacted, particularly, they say, with a President of the Republic who has never practiced micromanagement as much as today to manage the country.
Would the Minister of Foreign Affairs then have served as a fuse, to calm, among other things, the many dissatisfactions that arose after the vote, on social networks?
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the departure of the head of diplomacy is a relief for a large part of the staff, on strike, three months out of the six spent under his orders as minister.
His behavior with the staff had also been much decried.
Pending a future appointment, it is the Minister of Defense who should ensure the interim.
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Madagascar
Andry Rajoelina