Alot has happened in the last few weeks in Madagascar. You don’t see much about it on the US news channels, but there is plenty of info online on BBC and the African new sites.
Here is an brief update on where things stand as of today….
After losing the support of a significant chunk of his armed forces, President Marc Ravalomanana was forced to step down on March 17th. The opposition was swift to move in and within days, former DJ and mayor of Tana, 34 year-old Andry Rajoelina was inaugurated as President of Madagascar and his cabinet put in place. Constitutionally, Rajoelina is 6 years too young for the position, but the high court of Madagascar opened the way for him. The constitution claims that any elected official must be 40 years of age, but Rajoelina’s rise was not through the election process, so the age limit does not apply. The plan is for Rajoelina to preside over a transitional government until the elections in two years.
At first, it seemed that the situation would normalize, with people eager to just get back to work and care for their families. But for the past week, tens of thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets daily – both in support of and against the regime change. A friend wrote today expressing concern that momentum seems to be building again for the ousted President, and that he doesn’t know what will happen next.
We do know that the United States and the European Union have described Mr Rajoelina’s rise to power as a coup and the African Union has suspended Madagascar. Earlier in the month, the US ordered the departure of all non-emergency personnel and urged all Americans to leave the country, and warning against any travel into the island nation. All Peace Corps workers have also been removed.
Nations like the USA and Norway have suspended all funding (except extreme humanitarian aid) which will severely hamper the running of the government and put more pressure on an already deeply impoverished nation.
We have just sent Chifundo Basket funds to our partners, Ibrahim and Cathy Ravoahangy, who work with needy children in the capital city of Antananarivo – the main area of unrest. With these funds they will be able to purchase food and necessary medicines or clothing for the most vulnerable children. Prices have risen sharply since the trouble began, and continue to climb – so they need all the help our supporters can give to care for these children.
All of our Malagasy friends and partners have emailed to assure us they are well and thank us for our prayer and support. They ask for us to continue to stand with them during this time of turmoil in their land.
And a prayer request closer to home – Ancient Path president, Patt Wadenpfuhl, is due to visit our Madagascan partners in June and July – both in the Mikea Forest and in Tana – to bring both encouragement and supplies. Since the US has evacuated Americans and is asking us not to travel, this becomes difficult. So please pray for God to open the way for her and for wisdom as to the timing of her trip. But most importantly, that God’s kingdom will come and His will be done in Madagascar. And for the safety and protection of all of our partners and the precious children in their care.
We need the travel warning to be lifted and wisdom Please pray for the travel warning to be lifted to open the way for her
For more information and videos on the Madagascar crisis, click here.