Defence minister Richard Rakotonirina halfway out the door?

摘要

General Richard Rakotonirina, the holder of the defence portfolio, has raised the possibility of resigning from the Madagascan government with his inner circle. Though the Covid-19 pandemic came late to the island in mid-May, doubts over the stability of Andry Rajoelina's administration having been growing within his inner circle (Africa Intelligence, 09/06/20). Officially he has denied any intention of resigning, and the fact that the general is on good terms with Prime Minister Christian Ntsay - the two men made their first public appearances side by side - suggests that he may for the time being remain in post, but Richard Rakotonirina is not the only military figure with reservations about government policy. In late April, some thirty officers gathered at the residence of the former president Marc Ravalomanana, who reached the second round against Rajoelina in the eventful presidential election of 2018. He is now trying to rally sympathisers to his cause, including those who feel let down by Rajoelina's track record in office.