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The sentencing of Madagascar's former president Marc Ravalomanana to hard labour for life may prove to be one more obstacle in the island's attempts to emerge from its current political crisis, says international relations minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
Briefing the media on Thursday, the minister said that - as member of SADC - they were not impressed with any act that would further undermine the return of the political order in that country.
"The outcome of the case should not be isolated to the political development in that country ... I do not think the judgment in absentia would help in resolving the problems."
Ravalomanana, who lives in exile, was sentenced in absentia last weekend by a court in Antananarivo for his part in what are known as the February 7, 2009 killings. The deposed leader was charged with murder and being an accessory to murder, along with 18 other people, some of whom are also in exile.
Nkoana-Mashabane said they were waiting for a report from former Mozambican President and the SADC mediator Joaquim Alberto Chissano into what were the implications of this judgement.
A constitutional crisis erupted in Madagascar when army-backed Andry Rajoelina seized power from Ravalomanana. - BuaNews
