Tag Archives: Marc Ravalomanana

Location of Detained Madagascar Ex-president Unknown- Family

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The whereabouts of former Madagascar president Marc Ravalomanana are unknown after he was seized by police shortly after his surprise return from exile, his family said Tuesday.

“We are desperately worried about his safety,” his son Tojo said in a statement, adding that the family had been denied access to give him medication and clothing.

Ravalomanana, who was ousted in a coup in 2009, was picked up by armed police at his home in the capital Antananarivo after addressing supporters on his return from South Africa Monday.

The family have accused the authorities of kidnapping him and are appealing to the Southern African Development Community or the South African ambassador to intervene. The South African government has not commented on his departure.

Madagascar’s new President Henry Rajaonarimampianina said Ravalomanana was taken “for his safety” and had not been arrested. “He has been taken to safety against all kinds of threats,” said Rajaonarimampianina, who won December 2013 elections.

Madagascar’s Ex-president Returns from Exile

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Former Madagascar president Marc Ravalomanana, who has been living in exile in South Africa since his ouster in 2009, returned home on Monday.

“I am here to support peace and democracy, but more urgent is the fight against poverty,” he told supporters at his home in the capital Antananarivo.

Madagascar has on several occasions blocked Ravalomanana’s return to the Indian Ocean island since his rival Andry Rajoelina seized power.

In 2012, a plane carrying him was turned back in mid-flight when he tried to return home after nearly three years in exile.

Ravalomanana first fled to Swaziland after the coup and later moved to South Africa.

The former leader was in 2010 sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment with hard labour for the death of 30 opposition protesters killed by his presidential guard in February 2009.