Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 06/2014

A Cosmetic End to Madagascar's Crisis?

May 2014

International Crisis Group

Abstract

Madagascar's recent elections marked an ostensible return to democracy, but unless the new government works hard to implement meaningful political, economic and social reforms, the prospect of further crisis is just a matter of time. The 2009 coup led to five years of isolation for Madagascar, which a highly contested but credible election in late 2013 looks set to reverse. The new president and government are internationally accepted and domestically legitimate. Yet, the primary obstacle to sustained recovery remains a dysfunctional political system amid deteriorating social and economic conditions. In its latest report, A Cosmetic End to Madagascar’s Crisis?, the International Crisis Group outlines the immediate and long-term changes necessary to underwrite a much-needed revival,! 20with an emphasis on building institutional capacity and credibility, political reconciliation and fending off military interference.