Madagascar President Dissolves Government in Surprise Move

African outlets describe the dismissal of Madagascar’s government as a move that strengthens the president and his military backers at the expense of civilian institutions. They highlight worries from Malagasy opposition parties and civil groups that the army is tightening its grip on politics. Commentators in the region expect pressure from local activists and churches for a quick, inclusive appointment of a new cabinet.

• •Regional commentators say Madagascar’s president is using the government dismissal to centralize power around his office and military allies.
• •Opposition parties in Madagascar accuse the president of weakening democratic checks by removing an entire civilian cabinet at once.
• •Civil society groups in Antananarivo warn that a prolonged caretaker period could open the door to more direct military rule.
• •Some African commentators urge the Southern African Development Community to press Madagascar for a clear timetable to restore a full civilian government.