Norway to send delegation to Madagascar

Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim is sending a delegation to Madagascar to report on the situation in the country in the light of the current conflict.

The Norwegian delegation will meet local politicians, NGOs, other donor countries and UN organisations in Madagascar with a view to gaining a better overview of the situation in the country.

«There is an urgent need for a democratic solution to the current situation in Madagascar,» commented Mr Solheim. «The country is moving towards an economic disaster. I am deeply concerned about the people of the country, who are already among the poorest in Africa.»

So far, no country has recognised Andry Rajoelina’s transitional government. Both the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have suspended Madagascar. Demonstrations against the transitional government continue, and like many other donors, Norway has frozen it’s government-to-government aid.

«The delegation’s report, with recommendations for Norway’s policy towards Madagascar in the time ahead, is to by ready in May,» Mr Solheim added.

The people of the African island are divided, and the Norwegian delegation will look into the need for a national reconciliation process. It will also gather information on the political situation, the human rights situation, the economic situation and the priorities of the transitional government.

The delegation will be made up of Special Representative Arild R. Øyen, Madagascar expert and former missionary Øyvind Dahl, and Second Secretary Synne Bjørnrå.

Press contact: Ragnhild H. Simenstad, mobile phone: +47 917 17 459