News from Madagascar

It's amazing how quickly this has fallen from the news. The world has moved on, but the tragedy remains.

Dear Friends,

This is one of the darkest times that Madagascar has faced in recent years. Thank you so much for your love and concern for the Malagasy people and for us. This country and the people desperately need your prayers.

As a result of the Coup d’Etat of 17 March 2009, Madagascar is suffering a deepening economic and humanitarian crisis. Many people have lost jobs. Prices of basic necessities are on the rise; more people are going hungry. Many people cannot pay school fees, purchase needed medicines, or pay rent. More and more cars have ‘For Sale’ signs. The continuation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is responsible for the livelihood of over 500 000 people, is in jeopardy.

In 17 March 2009, insurrectionist troops forced President Marc Ravalomanana to flee after violently taking over the downtown presidential palace the night before. The US government, as well as much of the international community, has called the takeover by Andry Rajoelina a Coup d’Etat; most governments (except France) are refusing to work with the current illegal government set up by the Coup leaders.

Andry Rajoelina’s unlawful government has cracked down on people advocating a return to democracy and constitutional order by shooting unarmed protesters on repeated occasions, arresting leaders of the movement to restore legality including Prime Minister Manandafy Rakotonirina, denying the people the right to assemble, and shutting down radio and TV stations. In addition, the population is being terrorized by a special military unit that was set up expressly to arrest and interrogate political opponents.

PC(USA)’s partner church in Madagascar, the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM) has 4 million members and over 5000 churches. A PC(USA)-Madagascar Mission Network has formed. The first meeting was held on April 30th 2009 at First Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. The President of FJKM, Pastor Lala Rasendrahasina, was the featured speaker at this meeting. He shared his story of being detained at a meeting where Andry Rajoelina was present on Mar. 17 and being beaten & held for 8 hours. For further information about the Madagascar Mission Network, please contact Carol Hafer (chafer@fpco.org) or Nancy Warlick (dadabe@cfl.rr.com).

Peace in Christ,

Dan and Elizabeth Turk