February 22, 2009

Madagascar update

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your prayers. Many were answered today.

Mr. Andry Rajoelina called his crowd together as planned, but the people did not march on any ministries or government buildings. He dispersed them early.

In the afternoon, President Ravalomanana and Mr. Rajoelina met in the presence of the four leaders of the FFKM (Christian Council of Churches: Catholic, Anglican, FJKM, and Lutheran).  The two men agreed to do the following:

1. to stop issuing accusatory, slanderous, and provocative statements in the media.
2. to stop distributing news that is not true.
3. to stop the looting and destruction of private and government property.
4. to stop demonstrations in the street.
5. to stop arrests and harassments of a political nature.

Mr. Rajoelina has called off the street demonstration that had been planned for tomorrow and has stated that his radio and TV stations will not put out unfounded information. President Ravalomanana spoke to the nation this evening, calling on the Malagasy people to use their wisdom and sense of community to help the country get out of the crisis.

We understand that President Ravalomanana and Mr. Rajoelina will meet again this coming Monday.

Please pray

• That the talks will continue next week and will bring about a swift resolution to the crisis.
• That the talks will result in changes that will improve the life of the Malagasy people.
• For the FFKM leaders as they help mediate the talks.

Peace in Christ,

The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 48