Mandate impossible: mediation and the return to constitutional order in Madagascar (2009-2013)

Abstract

This article explores former President Joaquim Chissano’s mediation in Madagascar after the 2009 political crisis that led to the ouster of President Marc Ravalomanana. It shows that there are inherent tensions in mediating the reestablishment of constitutional order in the context of the African Union’s anti-coup policy. While espousing the ideal of mediation as an inclusive and locally owned process, Chissano’s mandate contradicted both the realities on the ground and the prescriptions of the AU’s anti-coup policy. The article analyzes the norms and principles inscribed in this mandate and their ambiguous translation into practice. The analysis offers inroads into understanding the normative and practical dilemmas of mediation in the context of unconstitutional changes of government.