ACCORD contributes to first Malagasy defence dialogue on role of armed forces in state of crisis

ACCORD has participated in, and contributed to, a dialogue on the role of the Malagasy armed forces in a state of crisis, organised by the Madagascar Military School in Antsirabe. The reflection session focused on the long lasting political crisis in that country, since 2009, and brought together local and international civil society, the international community as well as local think tanks and high level civilian and military officials, to discuss and reflect on the role of the defence in a situation of crisis.

Madagascar has laboured under a lasting political crisis since 2009, resulting from the forced resignation of the elected president, Marc Ravalomana on March 17, 2009, following a coup.  Since then, Mr. Andy Rajoelina, former mayor of Antananarivo, has acted as the head of state and of the High Transitional Authority (HAT).

For the first time since the beginning of the crisis, the armed forces, through the coordination of Madagascar Military School, organised a dialogue from 21-22 March 2013, in Antsirabe, Madagascar. The audience deliberated on topics ranging from state failure to the involvement of the armed forces in economic, social and political life of a country during a crisis. The presentations also covered the role of armed forces in mediation and reconciliation. It is the first reflection platform of this level in the country and in his closing speech, the Minister of Defense, re-affirmed the Army’s commitment to enhance and strengthen civilo-military relationships and the democratic control of the armed forces.

ACCORD, through the peacemaking unit, shared this view and provided insights and perspectives on civilo-military relations and its influence on mediation. This debate provided an important opportunity for ACCORD to support positive developments in the country through dialogue and reflections on methods and strategies that could be adopted by the armed forces to constructively and effectively respond to a state of crisis.

Article by:

Natacha-Kunama
Natacha Kunama
Coordinator: Peacemaking Unit
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