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Monja RoindefoPrime Minister of Madagascar
Country:
 Madagascar |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Monja Roindefo was born in Toliara, Madagascar. His father, Monja Jaona, was a Malagasy politician, as Roindefo would later become.
Political Involvement
In December 2006, Roindefo announced his candidacy for the presidential elections. However, his name did not appear on any of the ballots at polling stations. By October 29, 2006, he failed to secure enough signatures, and the government refused to accept their documents. Roindefo stated that anyone who attempted to alter ballots at polling stations would be arrested.
Opposition and Revolution
On February 7, 2009, opposition forces led by Roindefo held a demonstration to support Andry Rajoelina and oppose the incumbent President Marc Ravalomanana. The demonstration proceeded to the presidential palace in upper Antananarivo, where speeches were delivered. The gathering was dispersed by gunfire from army units loyal to Ravalomanana, and over fifty people were killed in the ensuing chaos.
From February 20, the opposition counterattacked. Rajoelina and Roindefo gained the support of the military and swiftly captured several key locations, including the Ministry of Internal Security, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Decentralization and Regional Planning. After a period of heavy fighting, the mutineers were forced out of the ministries on March 5. However, this success only briefly delayed Ravalomanana's reign, and he was ultimately overthrown on March 17.
Premiership
Ravalomanana's mercenaries continued to attack opposition forces, and the country's deteriorating economic conditions led to a decline in President Rajoelina's popularity. Rumors circulated that he should be replaced by a stronger politician, with Prime Minister Roindefo as a frequent candidate for the position. However, Monja Roindefo has not commented on these speculations or shown any desire to supplant his leader.
