President Zuma to host Madagascar Political Talks

Pretoria ­ President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa will, at the request of SADC Mediator former President Joachim Chissano, facilitate a face-to-face meeting between the de facto President of the Republic of Madagascar, Mr. Andry Rajoelina and the former Malagasy President, Mr. Marc Ravalomanana as well as the former Presidents Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 28 April 2010 at the Presidential Guest House, Pretoria.

The overarching objective of the meeting is to obtain an agreement that will overcome the current impasse in resolving the Malagasy political crisis under the SADC mediation process led by former Mozambican President Chissano. It is hoped that the dialogue will result in the parties agreeing on the implementation of an all-inclusive process that ensures the holding of credible, free and fair elections, as well as the national reconciliation.

This meeting will hopefully mark an end to the Madagascar’s prolonged crisis since February 2009, which affected every facet of life of the ordinary Malagasies.

For more information contact Ms. Nomfanelo Kota on 082 459 3787. *For media arrangements kindly note that we still await confirmation of the time for the opening session and will issue a media advisory to this effect. Consultation in the mediation effort will take place from 14:00 on the 28th of April 2010.*

Issued by the Department International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152
Pretoria, 0001

27 April 2010