Madagascar calls for the departure of the European Union ambassador
In Madagascar, the authorities are demanding the departure of the ambassador of the European Union (EU). Annoyed by various successive statements made by Isabelle Delattre, Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina demanded – through his Minister of Foreign Affairs – from Brussels the replacement of the European diplomat. A first in the history of relations between the Big Island and the EU.
Aerial view of the Malagasy capital Antananarivo. AFP - RIJASOLO
By: RFI Follow
Advertisement
Read more
With our correspondent in Antananarivo,
Sarah Tétaud
What broke the camel's back was undoubtedly the last press conference on February 26 where the ambassador of the European Union Isabelle Delattre recalled that the law authorizing surgical castration, which had just been validated by the country's High Constitutional Court, was contrary to international treaties. The same day, she said she was “
regularly frustrated
” – as a partner who helped improve the island's road network – to see that the road maintenance fund did not have the means to maintain this network.
Read alsoMadagascar: the EU expresses reservations on the castration penalty against child rapists
These tensions with those in power are not new. Since her arrival on the Big Island in September 2022, the European representative has often spoken candidly on subjects which have had the gift of irritating at the highest level of the State.
From these famous “
recommendations of the 2018 electoral observation mission never put into practice
”, to “
the tax evasion which is rife on Malagasy soil
”, the diplomat has always answered questions from the media, even if it meant making the public shudder. executive.
The departure of the ambassador almost confirmed
In Brussels, the EU noted that there was a breakdown of trust making the functioning of the Malagasy embassy “
impossible
”.
The European Union delegation confirmed to RFI in the morning that the ambassador's departure was almost complete. These are the modalities that now remain to be clarified.
She should therefore leave her position during the southern winter (in July/August), but the recruitment procedure to find her successor should take more time.
“
Our desire is to maintain good relations with
Madagascar
and that is why we are complying with the request
,” confirms a diplomatic source from the delegation. “
But his departure under these conditions will inevitably have political and financial consequences
,” he warns.
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your inbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
Share :
Continue reading on the same themes:
Madagascar
Andry Rajoelina
European Union