African Union Sanctions Madagascar's Leaders
The AU Peace and Security Council has slapped harsh penalties on Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina and 108 other senior government officials. The sanctions include a call for Madagascar's diplomatic isolation until the government returns to internationally mediated power-sharing talks. Peace and Security Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra said the sanctions are designed to get the attention of those who have turned their back on mediation efforts led by former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano. "It is a refusal to grant visas and a freeze of financial assets in foreign banks as well as diplomatic isolation by requesting all international organizations ... to refuse the accreditation of representatives of the regime in place in Antananarivo," he said. Lamamra said a formal letter would be sent within hours to the United Nations and other international organizations asking them to enforce the accreditation ban. Mr. Rajoelina came to power a year ago in a military-backed c...