The African Union on Monday lifted the 5-year-ban it placed on Madagascar. The island country’s membership of the union was suspended after a coup d’etat 5 years ago when Andry Rajoelina took over power in 2009.
After Presidential and parliamentary elections had taken place, Rajoelina handed over the country’s presidency to Hery Rajaonarimampianina.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council issued a statement on Monday in which it was disclosed that “The Council decides, in view of the completion of the transition process and restoration of constitutional order to lift the suspension of Madagascar’s participation in the activities of the AU.”
The PSC also urged the international community to support Madagascar.
However, international lenders may not be ready to act just yet. The World Bank told Reuters on Friday it wanted to see the formation of a new government before it would resume normal relations and give budget support.
The Malagasy authorities have not yet released official results of the legislative election, which was held on the same day as the runoff of the presidential vote on December 20.
