International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman to attend the inauguration of Madagascar's new President
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Marius Fransman, is departing on 23 January 2014 for the Republic of Madagascar to represent His Excellency President Jacob Zuma and the South African Government at the inauguration of Madagascar’s President-elect on 25 January 2014.
The Government of the Republic of South Africa earlier this week congratulated the President-elect, Mr Hery Rajaonarimampianina, on his election as the new President of the Republic of Madagascar, following the announcement of the final results of the Presidential elections on 17 January 2014 by the Special Electoral Court.
The inauguration of the newly elected President is the conclusion of a long process that started with the signing in September 2011 of the SADC-mediated Roadmap on the return of Madagascar to constitutional normalcy, by ten of the eleven Malagasy political stakeholders.
Deputy Minister Fransman, in his capacity as Special Envoy of President Zuma, played a leading role in the negotiation of the Roadmap during South Africa’s tenure as Chair of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Deputy Minister Fransman will also utilise the visit to the Republic of Madagascar to meet various political stakeholders in order to reinforce the message of South Africa’s support for ongoing efforts towards reconciliation and national unity in Madagascar.
For further information:
Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974
