Mr. Rajaonarimampianina Goes to Washington

It has been 5 years since the World Bank, EU, United States, IMF, and other investors left Madagascar. They took jobs, economic treaties, and development money with them. Now, with an internationally-recognized president who is saying all the right things, the country is ready to reclaim those old partnerships.

Photo source: Website of Madagascar's President http://www.presidence.gov.mg/?p=808

Malagasy President Hery Rajaonarimampianina launched a charm offensive in Washington, New York, and Paris last week. Was it enough to convince international donors and investors to untie the purse strings and re-engage with Madagascar? Let's look back at the visit, from the views of both an optimist and a pessimist.

Glass Half Full

• Hery really is saying all the right things (you can listen to the English translation of his UN press conference here). "My priority is to restore the rule of law in Madagascar, which will serve underpin sustainable development." He speaks of political reconciliation and a focus on creating a strong investment climate. His visits included representatives of national donors, international funding organizations, and private sector representatives (namely Exxon).
• The UN, World Bank, and IMF seemed very receptive to the Malagasy President. The World Bank in particular may release $300 million in aid.
• Companies like Exxon, who had pre-Crisis exploratory deals in Madagascar, were top among Hery's list of meetings, lending hope that the country will uphold old partnerships (if not contracts?)

Glass Half Empty

• Hery did not meet with President Obama or President Hollande, which some outlets liken to being "snubbed." It is difficult for me to agree that this was any real snubbing - these things take time before a proper state visit can be arranged - but it does mean the world missed out on Hery ignoring a Hollande Handshake.
• No discussion of AGOA or other bilateral ties with the United States.
• Despite saying a lot of the right things, Hery does refuse to make a definitive comment about the future of exiled President Marc Ravalomanana
• Corruption? Some Malagasy people seemed to think the President's trips to France and the USA were paid by international companies... and there have been other questions about those pesky 350 SUVs. For the record, Hery denies all these charges.
• What role will transitional President Andry Rajoelina play in the new government? Stay tuned...

Next steps

• Choosing a Prime Minister - let's hope it is not Rajoelina. Many still hypothesize that this was Rajoelina's plan all along: "pull a Putin" by installing a puppet President and making himself the more-powerful Prime Minister. But Hery was an independent candidate when Rajoelina was still in the race, and I like to give him the benefit of the doubt. Let's hope Hery chooses someone who has stayed out of the Political Crisis as much as possible...
• International community: Open those purse-strings, turn on the faucet, call in that golden-egg-laying-goose... Re-invest in Madagascar, a country full of talented individuals and entrepreneurs.