- ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar: Madagascar’s ousted president has accepted a plan for restoring democracy that leaves the military-backed coup leader who toppled him in charge during the transition.
Marc Ravalomanana’s representative signed the plan early Saturday in Madagascar’s capital in a ceremony presided over by South Africa’s deputy foreign minister. South Africa has led Southern African Development Community efforts to resolve the Indian Ocean island nation’s crisis.
The proposal also calls for Ravalomanana, exiled in South Africa since Andry Rajoelina toppled him in 2009, to be allowed to return to participate in the transition.
Mamy Rakotoarivelo, who headed Ravalomanana’s delegation at Saturday’s ceremony, says his party is willing to compromise.