Ban urges Madagascar parties to talk out differences as crisis continues

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called again on the parties in Madagascar to resume talks in an effort to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the Indian Ocean island nation.

“The Secretary-General remains concerned with the continuing crisis in Madagascar, which has led to politically motivated arrests, escalating violence and the loss of lives. He appeals on the authorities to observe human rights and respect the rule of law,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

Following weeks of unrest, President Marc Ravalomanana resigned in early March, amid a dispute with the mayor of the capital, Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, who now leads the country.

The UN, which has been advocating inclusive talks as the only way out of the crisis, has been trying to assist the country the efforts of Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Haile Menkerios and UN Senior Adviser Tiébilé Dramé.

Mr. Dramé remains engaged with the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and other relevant partners to help facilitate a way of out the crisis, the statement noted.

Reiterating that the only solution is the resumption of dialogue among all parties, Mr. Ban called on them to fulfil their commitment to resolve their differences within the framework of an inclusive process.

“Such dialogue should aim at an agreement on the framework for the transition and the modalities for speedy, credible elections leading to a legitimate government.”