Ex-Madagascar Leader Barred From Travelling

Ex-Madagascar Leader Barred From Travelling
Collins Atohengbe, Pretoria

The ousted Madagascan leader, Mac Ravalomanana has said he was disappointed by the refusal to allow him to return to Antananarivo .

The ex-president did not disclose any further action he would be taking for being prevented from travelling out of the Oliver Tambo International Airport  in Johannesburg , South Africa on Saturday.

He had arrived at the airport on Saturday morning for his planned trip but, the airline presented him with a letter, which ordered it not to issue Ravalomanana a boarding pass.

The decision to deny him permission to travel followed an appeal by his home government that he be prevented from any act that could cause civil disturbances in Madagascar .

Changes are ‘tonic'
Ravalomanana had earlier in the week said he would return home after about two years in exile in South Africa . 

Ravalomanana said the popular uprising which led to changes in Tunisia and Egypt was ‘tonic' for his decision to return to his country, where he faces a 22-year jail sentence in absentia.

He was overthrown in 2008 by a former DJ, Andre Rajoelina, with the support of the army.

The mediation team put in place by SADC member nations advised that Ravalomanana be prevented form returning to Madagascar  until there is durable peace in the Indian Ocean nation.

Yinka